LIBRARY 

•ESS* 

SAN  DIEGO 


. 


FLORA'S    INTERPRETER, 

AXD 

FORTUNA  FLORA. 


SARAH  JOSEPHA  HALE, 

OOi»     «TBA1T,     „„     ^.^    ^  , 

OE   THI    TIOIL   OF   L0»«  J  »    «  H4..r    OUT,"    ,TO 


BNLAMED   BDITlOy,    WITH 


BOSTON: 

SANBORX,    CARTER    AND    BAZIN 
PORTLAND: 

SANBORN    &    CARTER. 

1856. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1*18,  by 

BENJAMIN  B.  MUStJBY  AND  COMPANY, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  DUtrirt  of 


Massachusetts. 


STEREOTYPED  AT  TUB 
BOVTON  TYPE  AN1>  STKKKOTVf'K 


A  NEW  INTRODUCTION. 


SITTBBW  years  ago  we  prepared  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER,  the 
first  part  of  this  work.  The  many  imitations  of  our  plan,  as  well 
as  the  extensive  and  steady  demand  for  the  book,  hare  equally 
proved  its  excellence. 

We  have  now  added  a  new  and  original  department  of  Floral 
literature,  namely,  the  mystical  language  of  flowers,  those  sweet 
messenger*  of  nature ;  and  FOHTUSA  FLORA  may  be  considered 
as  completing  the  work.  We  trust  this  last  part  will  be  received 
with  favor  by  that  portion  of  our  friends  to  whom  "  years  have 
taught  wisdom."  Such  persons  will  not  regard  this  effort  to  stim- 
ulate the  young  to  the  observance  of  the  hidden  meanings  which 
may  lie  concealed  in  the  flower  volumes  of  nature  as  unworthy 
their  notice.  They  will  feel  that 

Wtedora  is  with  the  heart.     An  falls  the  daw 
On  every  plant  beneath  the  freshening  sky, 
Bo  wUdom  may  be  found  on  every  page 
That  bean  the  impress  of  an  earnest  spirit, 
Seeking  the  Good,  and  True,  and  Beautiful. 

And  the  young  will  learn  these  lessons  easier,  and  remember 
them  longer,  when  connected  with  the  innocent  amusements  that 
belong  to  their  flower  time  of  life. 

Flowers  have  always  been  symbols  of  the  affections,  probably 
ever  since  our  first  parents  tended  theirs  in  the  garden  of  Ood'a 
own  planting.  They  seem  hallowed  from  that  association,  and  in- 
tended, naturally,  to  represent  pure,  tender,  and  devoted  thought* 
and  feelings.  The  expression  of  these  feelings  has  been,  in  all 
ages,  the  province  of  poetry  ;  therefore  we  must  refer  to  the 
poets  in  order  to  settle  the  philology  of  flowers.  This  we  have 
done.  We  have  carefully  searched  the  poets  and  writers  on 
Eastern  manners,  where  flowers  are  now  the  messengers  of  the 
heart,  and  have  selected  the  most  approved  interpretations. 


IV  A    NEW    INTRODUCTION. 

"We  have,  moreover,  endeavored  to  unite  real  knowledge  with 
this  fanciful  language  ;  the  arrangement  of  each  flower  with  iU 
botanic  as  well  as  common  name,  and  also  its  class  and  order,  will 
be  found  of  much  utility  by  familiarizing  or  fixing  these  terms  in 
the  mind  of  the  reader.  The  locality  of  the  plant,  too,  will  ena-. 
ble  those  who  desire  the  information  to  judge  where  any  particu- 
lar flower  may  best  be  cultivated  —  whether  in  the  garden  or 
greenhouse. 

But  the  most  important  aim  of  the  work  was  to  select  and  in- 
corporate with  our  love  of  nature  and  flowers  the  choicest  and 
the  best  specimens  of  American  poetry.  In  this  we  think  we 
have  succeeded,  and  that  the  beauty,  variety,  and  excellence  of 
these  gems  of  thought,  fancy,  feeling,  and  passion,  can  never  be 
equalled  in  any  work  of  this  kind  —  because  we  had  the  first 
choice  of  the  field  ;  unless,  indeed,  our  imitators  take  our  selec- 
tions bodily  from  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER,  as  some  of  them  have 
already  done  to  an  extent  which  is  very  obvious.*  But  we  trust 
that  in  the  part  now  added  —  FORTUNA  FLORA —  no  one  will  thus 
interfere,  for  some  years  at  least,  to  take  from  us  the  profits  of 
projecting  and  preparing  a  work  that  has  cost  us  much  time  and 
research. 

The  choice  extracts  from  the  British  Poets  are,  of  course,  open 
to  every  writer,  and  are  often  used ;  but  we  have  endeavored  to 
place  these  truly  classical  specimens  of  the  Old  World  literature 
in  a  new  light,  by  linking  them,  as  it  were,  with  the  hopes  and 
loves  of  our  "  own  green  forest  land." 

We  feel  quite  at  liberty  to  select  whatever  is  best  and  brightest 
from  the  productions  of  British  genius  for  this  work,  because 
FLORA'S  INTERPRETER  has  been  republished  in  London,  and,  un- 
der the  title  of"  The  Book  of  Flowers,"  sold  largely  without  any 
remuneration  to  the  author.  It  is  quite  probable  this  new  and 
enlarged  work  may  have  the  same  honor. 

To  the  youth  of  America  we  dedicate  anew  this  book  we  have 
prepared  for  them.  May  it  inspire  our  young  women  to  cultivate 
those  virtues  which  can  only  be  represented  by  the  fairest  flowers ; 
and  may  our  young  men  strive  to  be  worthy  of  the  love  that  these 
fairest  flowers  can  so  eloquently  reveal. 

BOSTON,  August  I,  1848. 

*  It  may  be  best  to  state  that  all  the  poetic  selections  hero  designated 
"  anonymous,"  were  written  by  Mrs.  Hale,  eipreusly  for  Flora'g  Inter- 
oreter.  Those  who  use  these  will  know  from  whom  they  borrow 


INDEX   OP   POEMS, 


The  Flower  Spirit 
The  Sweet  Bner 


To  the  Fringed  Gentian,  .........  '"v£ 

To  the  Trailing  Arbutus  .......  ""££ 

TheGround  Laurel  .....  I  .............  ..............  f$ 

The  LUv  of  the  Valley  ..................  ..........  H 

Night-blowing  Cercu'H  .......  .......  ££ 

The  Crocus's  Soliloquy  ........  .......  9/n 

To  a  withered  Rose,..:....  ............  ;]? 

To  the  Houston*  Cerulea  .........  '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.  ........  £J 

To  a  White  Chrysanthemum  .............  '"*£& 

A  Flower  from  Mount  Vcrnon  .  .  "  *  oT« 

The  Alpine  Flowers  .........  .  ......  ..............  $ 

The  Three  Flowers,.  ............  ...V^     ";  ................  gj 

The  FlowerAnffcls  .......  ............  o7n 

The  Death  of  the  Flowers  .......  '.'.".'.'.'.'.I'.  ...........  |1? 

To  the  Passion  Flower,  ..  ..........  ..";  ...........  %& 


INDEX   OP   PORTUNA   FLORA 


Introductory  Remarks 

Temperaments 

Januan- 


March 

&?•  .....................................  ::::::::::::::: 

&;::::::::::::::::;:::  ................................  ™ 

.................... 


. 

August  .................... 

September  ......... 

October  ....................  ;;;;;; 

November  ......... 

December  ...............  .'.'.'.'.'.'.'.' 

Sentiments  for  the  Week  —  Love  . 
Friendship,  ......... 


Sentiments'for  the" Month', .' .* ! .' '. '. '. '. '. '. '. '. ' '. '. '. '. '. .' .'  \ ',  .* .' .' ."  i " ] ". '.'278 


BOTANICAL  EXPLANATIONS. 


FLOWER& 

There  are  seven  elementary  parts  in  a  flower— or,  properly 
•peaking,  flower  and  fruit 

1.  Calyx.    The  outer  or  lower  part  of  the  flower,  generally 

not  colored. 

2.  Corel.     The  colored  blossom  of  the  flower,  within  or  above 

the  calyx. 

8.  Stamens.     The  mealy  or  glutinous  knobs,  generally  on  the 
ends  of  slender  filaments. 

4.  Pistil     The  central  organ  of  a  flower  ;  the  base  of  this  be- 

comes the  pericarp  or  seed. 

5.  Pericarp.     The  covering  of  the  seed,  whether  pod,  shell, 

bag,  or  pulpy  substance. 

6.  Seed.    The  essential  part,  containing  the  rudiments  of  a 

new  plant 

7.  Receptacle.    The  base  which  sustains  the  other  six  parts, 

being  at  the  end  of  the  stem. 

Any  accidental  appendage  U  a  nectary.  The  form  and  posi- 
tions of  these  organs,  and  of  no  other  part,  are  employed  in  dis- 
tinguishing the  Classes,  Orders,  and  Genera. 

Double  flowers  are  formed  by  changing  the  stamens  into  petals. 
Botanists  term  these  vegetable  moruter*. 


INFLORESCENCE; 
OR,  MANNER  OF  FLOWERING. 

1.  Whorl.     An  assemblage  of  flowers  surrounding  the  atom  01 
its  branches,  constitute  a  whorl  or  ring  :  this  is  seen  in  the  Mint 
and  many  of  the  labiate  plants. 

2.  Raceme,  or  cluster,  consists  of  numerous  flowers  each  on 
its  own  stalk  or  pedicle,  and  all  arranged  on  one  common  pe- 
duncle; as,  a  bunch  of  Currants. 

5.  Panicle  bears  the  flowers  in  a  kind  of  loose  subdivided 
bunch  or  cluster,  without  any  regular  order;  as  in  the  Oat     A 
panicle  contracted  into  a  compact,  somewhat  ovate  form,  as  in 
the  Lilac,  is  called  a  Tfiyrse,  or  bunch;  a  bunch  of  Grapes  is  a 
good  example. 

4.  Spike.  This  is  an  assemblage  of  flowers  arising  from  the 
sides  of  a  common  stem:  the  flowers  are  sessile,  or  with  very 
short  peduncles;  as,  the  Wheat  and  the  Mullein. 

6.  Umbel — several    flower-stalks,   of   nearly   equal    length, 
spreading  out  from  a  common  centre,  like  the  rays  of  an  um- 
brella, bearing  flowers  on  their  summits;  as,  Fennel  and  Carrot. 

6.  Cyme  resembles  an  umbel  in  having  its  common  stalks  all 
spring  from  one  centre,  but  differs  in  having  those  stalks  irregu- 
larly subdivided;  as,  the  Snow-ball  and  Elder. 

7.  Corymb,  or  false  umbel— when  the  peduncles  rise  from'dif- 
ferent  heights  above  the  main  stem;  but  the  lower  ones  being 
longer,  they  form  nearly  a  level,  or  convex  top;  as,  the  Yarrow. 

8.  Fascicle — flowers  on  little  stalks  variously  inserted  and 
subdivided,  collected  into  a  close  bundle,  level  at  the  top;  as, 
the  Sweet  William. 

9.  Head,  or  tuft,  has  sessile  flowers  heaped  together  in  a 
globular  form;  as  in  the  Clover. 

10.  Ament,  or  catkin,  is  an  assemblage  of  flowers  composed 
of  scales  and  stamens,  arranged  along  a  common  thread-like  re- 
ceptacle; as  in  the  Chestnut  and  Willow. 

11.  Spadix  is   an  assemblage  of  flowers,  growing  upon  a 
common  receptacle,  and  surrounded  by  a  spatlm,  or  sheath;  as 
in  the  Egyptian  I.ily. 


INDEX  OF  AMERICAN  AUTHORS. 


Anonymous,  43,  69,  75,  97,  120,  138, 

143,  251,  180,  813,  222.  22*.  230 
Atlantic  BouYenlr,  -  60,  77,  95 
II.irk.-r,  Jame»  N.  -  -  127,220 
Bi-iijiiinin,  P.  .  55,98,191,236 
Brainard,  -  -  -  74,233 
Brljcht,  J.  H.  ...  197 
llrooks,  J.O.  ...  159 
Uryaut,  66,  183,  126,  157,  823,  235 
Clnrk,  W.  O.  117,  181,  122,  221 
Dana,  17,  24,  124 

Diiwei,  20.  22,  86,  44, 63, 88, 105,  167 
UnmlM.Wn.'  IwThS, 309  245 
Uoane,  O.  W.  ...  SO 
Drake,  J.  R.  ...  315 
Kaalburne,  ...  147 

Embury,  Mr*.  80,  71,75,  89,  98,  119, 

.     ,  -    i 

Kvi-n-tl,  E.lwarJ,  -  -  837 
Everett,  John,  -  56 

Fairlleld,  3.  L.  .  •  194, 800 
KrM.i,-.  -  -  -  .85,310 
Gould,  Ml,,  n.  F.  69,  133,  136,145, 

831,  237 

Gray,  Thomas,  Jr.  -  -  189 
llHlleck,  48,58,65,  130, 137,154,208 
Hill,  F.  8.  175 

Hillhoutt,  -  -  84,93,98 
Holm«i,O.W.41,152,160,173^13,214 
Lad.e.'  Mafatine,  (M«.  Hale'.)  39, 

79,  106,  111,  118,  141,   150,  151, 

lea,  179 

Lcggett,  ....  201 
Little,  Mrm.  ...  169 

Lincoln,  B.  ....  61 
Locke,  A.  A.  -  •  187.809 
Mellea.0.  -  -  25,53 


Miller,  ...         45,78 

MorrU,  O.  P.         .        .          83,  139 
Morrto.  Robert,      -        38,  102,  163 
Ni-.il,  John,          .        -        -         IffT 
N.  E.  Magazine,       94,  158,  166,  193 
New  York  Mirror,          44,  146,  165 
Oagooij,  Mra.      -        88,  88,  170,  184 
Pauldin*,      -        .        -         140,219 
Perclva",    13,  19,  88,  87,  35,  45\  47, 
52,  M,  68,  72,  76,  77,  80,  81,  86, 
91,  93,   100,  105.  113,  119,  131, 
HI,  114,  145,  156,  161,  Ifi4,   17.' 
176,  186, 191, 198, 195, 198,  JJ  I 
Plorpont,    ....          178 
Piiu-knt-y,        ...         68,  96 
I'l-ruiicr,  <J.  W.      -        .        .        60 
Rojfrm,  J.  F.      -        -        -  l-.>9 

Saixeaiit,  J.  O.  90,  125,  190,  -^17 
BiXuurney.  Mr».  -  21,34,135 
SIMIIIIH,  W.  U.  -  *23,  52,  234 
Smith,  Mm.  L.  P.  38,  90,  101,  108, 

112,  128,  142,  195,226 
Bprajrue,        .        .         134,135,211 
Thatcher,  B   B          -  H8 

Token,   33,  43,  108,  109,  115,  129, 

153.  170,  177 

W.-1U,  Mr..          45,  81,  91,  149,  218 

Wrtmorr,  P.  M.      -         -         -        ft! 

Whittu-r,    76,     103,    116,   133,    183, 

196.  202,  206,  807,  812,  216,  2^5 

Whitman,  M«.  '      -         -          241 

Wilco*,          ....         36 

Wlllii,   14,  28,  29.  88,  87,  40,  50,  51, 

54,   57,  64,  73,  86,  87,  99,   100, 

103,  104,110,111,  114,155,  162, 

167,  174,  181,  183,  188,  203,  805 

Yamoyden,       -'     -       -    98,  1M 


X  CLASSES    AND    ORDERS 

19.  Syngensia,— stamens  5,  united  by  their  anthers  in  one  set, 

flowers  compound,— China-aster,  Daisy,  etc. 

20.  Gynandria,— stamens  stand   on  the  germ,  style  or  stigma, 

separate  from  the  base  of  the  calyx  or  corol,— Orchia,  etc. 

21.  Monacia,— stamens  and  pistils  in  separate   flowers  on  the 

same  plant, — Amaranth,  Pine,  Nettle,  etc. 

22.  Diacia, — stamens  and  pistils  on  separate  plants, — Yew,  etc. 

23.  Polygamia, — stamensvariouslysituated — sometimes  on  flow- 

ers with  pistils,  sometimes  stamens  only, — Mimosa",  etc. 

24.  Cryptogajnia, — the  flowers  of  this  class  are  invisible  to  the 

naked  eye,— Lichen,  Moss,  etc. 

ORDERS. 

THE  first  thirteen  orders  are  distinguished  entirely  by  the 
number  of  pistils.     The  names  of  these  orders  arc, 

Monogynia— 1  pistil.  Heptagynia  -7. 

Digynia— 2.  Octagynia— 8. 

Trigynia— 3.  Enneagynia— 9. 

Tetradyginia— 4.  Decagynia — 10. 

Pentagynia— 5.  Dodecagynia — 12. 

Hexagynia— 6.  Polyginia,  many  pistils 

t_  ™       u     n  f  1  Gymnospermia — seed  naked. 

The  14th  Class  has  2  orders-  j  g  A4iosp(frniia_seed  i^p^es. 

(  1  Silliculosa — pod  short 
15th  Class-2  orders-  \  2  siliqu08a_pSd  long. 

16,  17,  18th  Classes. — In  these  the  orders  are  determined  from 
the  number  of  stamens. 

19.  Class    5,    orders    1.  Equalis. — 2.  Superjlua.—l.  Frusta- 

nea.— 4.  Necessaria. — 5.  Segeri*ata. 

20,  21st  Classes. — Orders  have  the  same  names  as  the  preceding 

classes. 

22d  Class  has  8  orders;  the  first  seven  named  from  the  number 
of  stamens — the  8th,  Monodelphia,  because  the  stame&d 
are  united  in  one  set 

23d  Class  has  3  orders.  Moncecia — stamens  and  pistils  in  sepa- 
rate flowers  on  the  same  plants.  Diacia — stamens,  etc. 
as  different  plants.  Tricecia — on  three  flowers. 

24th  Class  is  divided  into  6  families  Felices,  (ferns;)  2.  Jtfi/s- 
ct,  (mosses;)  3.  Heptaicce,  (liverworts;)  4.  Jllga,  (sea- 
weeds;)  5.  Lichenes,  (lichens;)  6. Fungi',  (mushrooms.) 


POISONOUS  PLANTS. 


1.  Plants  with  five  stamens  and  one  pistil,  with  a  dull-colored 
lurid  corol,  and  of  a  nauseous  sickly  smell,  always  poisonous. 
As,  tobacco,  thorn-apple,  henbane,  nightshade. 

2.  Umbel  life  rout  plants  of  the  aquatic  kind  and  a  nauseous 
scent  are  always  poisonous.     As,  water-hemlock,  cow-parsley. 
But  if  the  smell  is  pleasant,  and  they  grow  in  dry  land,  they  are 
not  poisonous.     As,  fennel,  dill,  coriander. 

3.  Plants  with  labiate  corols,  and  seeds  in  capsules,  frequently 
poisonous.     As,  snap-dragon,  fox-glove. 

4.  Plants  from  which  issue  a  milky  juice  on  being  broken,  are 
poisonous,  unless  they  bear  compound  flowers.     As,  milk-weed, 
dogbane. 

5.  Plants  having  any  appendage  to  the  calyx  or  corol,  and 
eight  or  more  stamens,  generally  poisonous.     As,  columbine, 
nastnrtion. 

Plants  with  few  stamens,  not  poisonous,  except  tho  number 
be  five;  but  if  the  number  be  twelve  or  more,  and  the  smell 
nauseous,  heavy  and  sickly,  the  plants  are  generally  poisonous. 


TO  PRESERVE  FLOWERS  AND  PLANTS. 

Place  the  specimens  in  a  close,  dark  room;  when  the  plants 
are  nearly  dry,  press  them,  in  small  quantities  enveloped  in  pa- 
per, till  the  oil  appears  on  the  surface,  which  you  will  know  by 
its  discoloring  the  paper;  then  do  them  up  in  clean  paper  bags, 
and  they  will  retain  their  fragrance,  color,  and  medicinal  proper- 
ties, for  years 


CLASSES  AND  ORDERS. 


THK  explanations  of  these  moot  necessarily  be  very  brief;  my 
aim  being  rather  to  stimulate  curiosity  respecting  the  subject  of 
Botany,  than  to  impart  instruction  in  the  science.  A  few  general 
facts,  and  a  few  of  the  first  terms,  are  all  that  can  be  given. 

Flowers  in  the  Linnaean  system  are  divided  into  twenty-four 
Classes.  These  Classes  are  divided  into  Orders  ;  Orders  into 
Genera;  Genera  into  Species;  Species  are  frequently  changed 
into  Varieties. 

The  first  ten  classes  are  distinguished  by  the  number  of  their 
itaineiis; — thus, 

1.  Monandria, — 1  stamen, — Flowering  Reed  is  the  only  one 

of  this  class  given. 

2.  Diandria, — 2  stamens, — Lilac,  Sage,  Jasmine,  etc 

3.  Triandria, — 3  stamens, — Crocus,  Iris,  Oat,  etc. 

4.  Tetrandria, — 4  stamens, — Witch-Hazel,  Holly,  etc. 

6.  Pentandria, — 5  stamens, — Violet,  flax,  Woodbine,  etc. 

6.  Hexandria, — 6  stamens, — Lily,  Sorrel,  Aloe,  etc. 

7.  Heptandria, — 7  stamens, — Horse-chestnut,  etc.     None  of 

this  class  given. 

8.  Octandria, — 8  stamens, — Nasturtion,  etc. 

9.  Eneandria, — 9  stamens, — Laurel,  etc. 

10.  Decandria, — 10  stamens, — Rue,  Pink,  Hydrangea. 

11.  Dodecandria, — 12  to  19  stamens, — Mignonette,  etc. 

\  Icosandria, — 20  or  more,  standing  on  the  calyx.    Rose,  etc. 
a«.  Polyandria, — always  20  or  more,  on  the  receptacle, — 
Butter-cup,  Larkspur,  Peony,  etc. 

14.  Didynamia, — 4  stamens,  2  of  them  uniformly  the  longest, 

— Fox-glove,  Balm,  Thyme,  etc. 

15.  Tetr adynamia, — 6  stamens,  4  of  them  uniformly  the  long- 

art, — Gilly-Flower,  Honesty,  Queen's  Rocket,  etc. 

16.  Monodelphia, — stamens  united  by  their  filaments  in  one  set, 

anthers  being  separated, — Geraniums,  Hibiscus,  etc. 

17.  Diadelphia, — stamens  united  by  their  filaments  in  two  sets, 

— flowers  papilionaceous,  or  butterfly-shaped. 

18.  Polydelphia, — stamens  in  two  sets,  united  at  the  bottom  by 

the  filaments,— Orange,  St.  John's  Wort,  e*. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


1  In  Eaxtern  lands  they  talk  In  rtowerm, 
And  they  tell  In  a  garland  their  loves  and  crnrw) 
Each  blouom  that  bloom*  In  their  rarden  bowera, 
On  lu  IcsTea  a  mystic  language  bean ; 
Then  gather  a  wrtatk  from  the  garden  bowera, 
And  tell  the  wUb  of  thy  heart  ID  flowers.' 

Ptreivat. 


ACACIA,  YELLOW.  Clan  17.     Order  10.     Common 

(t     I?S<V>M«MS»«  around  Now  Orleans.     The  same 

A.  Farneinana.  Bpeciea   m 

and  India. 


CONCEALED  LOVE 

Our  sands  are  bare,  but  smiling  there 
The  Jlcacia  waves  her  yellow  hair, 
Lonely  and  sweet,  nor  loved  the  less 
For  flowering  in  the  wilderness. 

Moore. 

SENTIMENT. 

They  never  felt. 

Those  summer  flies  that  flit  so  gayly  round  thee, 
They  never  felt  one  moment  what  I  feel, 
With  such  a  silent  tenderness,  and  keep 
So  closely  in  my  heart. 

Ptretml 
2 


14  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


ALMOND,  FLOWERING.  cia»t  12.    Order  .    Nat.ve  of 

^  East'  China'  Barfly,  etc. 
It  flowera  early— blosaonw  snow- 
white. 


HOPE. 

The  Hope  in  dreams  of  a  happier  hour, 
Which  alights  on  misery's  brow, 
Springs  out  of  the  silvery  Almond  flower, 
That  blooms  on  a  leafless  bough. 

Moore. 


SENTIMENT. 

There  are  hopes 

Promising  well,  and  love-touched  dreams  for  some 
And  passions,  many  a  wild  one,  and  fair  schemes 

For  gold  and  pleasure. 

Oh,  if  there  were  not  better  hopes  than  these — 
Were  there  no  palm  beyond  a  feverish  fame — 
If  truth  and  fervor  and  devotedness, 
Finding  no  worthy  altar,  must  return 
And  die  with  their  own  fulness — if  beyond 
The  grave  there  is  no  heaven,  in  whose  wide  air 
The  spirit  may  find  room,  and  in  the  love 
Of  whose  bright  habitants  this  lavish  heart 
May  spend  itself— what  thrice-mocked  fools  are  we! 

WUli 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  16 


L,  FRUTEX.  Clan   16.     Order   13.     (Syrian 

Hibiscus     Siiriacus  Mallow,)   a   shrub  4  to   6   feet 

high.    Native  of  the  East.    Flow- 
era  white  and  roae  color. 

CONSUMED  BY  LOVE. 

The  fable  of  Althea  and  her  unfortunate  son,  who 
lost  his  life  in  consequence  of  his  love  for  the  beauti- 
ful ..'llulantu — his  consuming  away  as  the  fatal  brand 
was  burning,  suggested  the  emblem  of  '  Consumed 
by  love.' 

Flora'i  Dictionary. 

SENTIMENT. 

Comfort  cannot  soothe 

The  heart  whose  life  is  centred  in  the  thought 
Of  happy  loves,  once  known,  and  still  in  hope, 
Living  with  a  consuming  energy. 

Ptrcival. 

ANSWER. 

Go,  kneel  a  worshipper  at  Nature's  shrine! 
For  you  her  rivers  flow,  her  hills  arise; 
For  you  her  fields  are  green,  and  fair  her  skies; 
And  will  you  scorn  them  all,  to  pour  your  tame 
And  heartless  lays  of  forced  or  fancied  sighs? 

/.  R.  Drak* 


16  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

ALOE  Clots  6.  Order  1 .  Native  of  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  Egypt,  etc.  The  flower  of  the  Aloe  ha* 
no  calyx.  A  bitter  and  medicinal  juice  in  ex- 
tracted from  the  leaves. 


RELIGIOUS  SUPERSTITION. 

In  climes  beneath  the  solar  ray, 
Where  beams  intolerable  day, 
And  arid  plains  in  silence  spread, 
The  pale  green  Alot  lifts  its  head — 
The  mystic  branch  at  Moslem's  door 
Betokens  travel  long  and  sore 
In  Mecca's  weary  pilgrimage. 

Flora?*  Dictionary. 

SENTIMENT. 

All  tenderness  you  seemed, 
Gentle  and  social  as  a  playful  child ; 
But  now  in  lonely  superstition  wrapped, 
As  on  an  icy  mountain-top  thou  sittest 
Lonely  and  unapproachable,  or  tossed 
Upon  the  surge  of  passion,  like  the  wreck 
Of  some  proud  Tyrian  in  the  stormy  sea. 

WUunut. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  i7 


AMARANTH.  C7««  19.    Ordtr5.    (Prince's  Feather,) 

•  genus  of  nearly  40  specie*;  almost  ex- 

» 


America.     Only  three  species  in  Europe 
—flowers  crimson. 


IMMORTALITY. 

Immortal  Amaranth!  a  flower  which  once 

In  paradise,  fast  by  the  tree  of  life 

Hegan  to  bloom;  but  soon,  for  man's  offence, 

To  heaven  removed,  where  first  it  grew,  there  grows 

And  flowers  aloft,  shading  the  tree  of  life. 

Milton. 


SENTIMENT. 

And  with  our  frames  do  perish  all  our  loves? 
]  )o  those  who  took  their  root  and  put  forth  buds, 
And  there  soft  leaves  unfolded  in  the  warmth 
Of  mutual  hearts,  grow  up  and  live  in  beauty, 
Then  fade  and  fall  like  fair  unconscious  flowers? 
****** 

A  voice  within  us  speaks  that  startling  word, 
'  Man,  thou  shalt  never  die!'     Celestial  voices 
Hymn  it  unto  our  souls:  according  harps, 
By  angel  fingers  touched,  when  the  mild  stars 
Of  morning  sang  together,  sound  forth  still 
The  song  of  our  great  immortality. 

Dana. 
2* 


18  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


AMARANTH,  GLOBE.  ClastS.  Order 5. 

Gomphrena,  globosa.  %^££ 

species;  white,  purple,  and 
variegated.  They  resemble, 
in  their  form,  heads  of  clover 

UNCHANGEABLE. 

And  hong  long  locks  of  hair,  and  garlands  bound, 

With  Amaranth  flowers, — 
Such  flowers  as  in  the  wintry  memory  bloom, 

Of  one  friend  left. 

Southiy. 

SENTIMENT. 

Think  not,  beloved,  time  can  break 

The  spell  around  us  cast, 
Or  absence  from  my  bosom  take 

The  memory  of  the  past: 
My  love  is  not  that  silvery  mist, 
From  summer  blooms  by  sunbeams  kissed, 

Too  fugitive  to  last — 
A  fadeless  flower,  it  still  retains 
The  brightness  of  its  earlier  stains. 

Nor  burns  it  like  the  raging  fire, 
In  tainted  breast  which  glows ; 
All  wild  and  thorny  as  the  brier, 

Without  its  opening  rose: 
A  gentler,  holier  love  is  mine, 
Unchangeable  and  firm,  while  thine 

Is  pure  as  mountain  snows; 
Nor  yet  has  passion  dared  to  breathe 
A  spell   o'er  Love's  immortal  wreath. 

Anon.     (Albany  Advertittr.) 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  19 

AMARYLLIS.  Clou  6.  Order  1.  A  very  splendid  and 

Formosis&ima.  numerous  genus,  chiefly  tropical,  and 

principally  indigenous  to  America  and 

the     southern     extremity    of    Africa. 

Flowers  deep  red 

BEAUTIFUL,  BUT  TIMID. 

When  heaven's  high  vault  condensing  clouds  deform, 
Fair  Amaryllis  flies  the  incumbent  storm, 
Seeks  with  unsteady  steps  the  sheltered  vale, 
And  turns  her  blushing  beauties  from  the  gale. 

Darwin. 

SENTIMENT. 

She  looked,  how  lovely. — Not  the  face  of  heaven 

In  its  serenest  colors,  nor  earth  in  all 

Its  garniture  of  flowers,  nor  all  that  live 

In  the  bright  world  of  dreams,  nor  all  the  eye 

Of  a  creative  spirit  meets  in  air, 

Could,  in  the  smile  and  sunshine  of  her  charms, 

Not  feel  itself  o'ennastered  by  such  rare 

And  perfect  beauty: — Yet  she  bore  herself 

So  gently,  that  the  lily  on  its  stalk 

Bends  not  so  easily  its  dewy  head. 

PtrcivaL 


20  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


AMBROSIA.  (Bitter  Weed.)   Clast  19.  Order  6.  A 

North  American  genus,  with  the  excop- 
tion  of  one  Bpecie8  -m  perU)  and  another 
indigenous  to  the  sea-shores  of  the  Le- 
vant Found  in  Upper  Louisiana. 

LOVE  RETURNED. 

To  farthest  shores  the  ambrosial  spirit  flies, 
Sweet  to  the  world,  and  grateful  to  the  skies. 

Pop*. 

SENTIMENT. 

And  canst  thou  not  accord  thy  heart 

In  unison  with  mine, 
Whose  language  thou  alone  hast  heard, 

Thou  only  canst  divine  ? 
And  wilt  thou  not  revoke  that  cold 

And  merciless  decree, 
Nor  yield  one  solitary  thought, 

To  plead  my  wrongs  to  thee? 

Daw*. 


ANSWER. 

Oh,  knowest  thou,  dear  one,  of  Woman's  love, 

With  its  faith  that  woes  more  deeply  prove, 

Its  fondness  wide  as  the  limitless  wave, 

And  chainless  by  nought  but  the  silent  grave; 

With  devotion  as  humble  as  that  which  brings 

To  his  idol  the  Indian's  offerings; 

Yet  proud  as  that  which  the  priestess  feels, 

When  she  nurses  the  flame  of  the  shrine  while  she 

kneels: 

Oh,  knowest  thou,  dear,  what  this  love  may  be? 
Such  ever  has  been  in  my  heart  for  thee. 

Mr*  Embury. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


AMERICAN  STARWORT.  clan  19.  Order*. 


Aster,  trodtscanti.  i80"-  «>"«»""«  .of  "»re 

tlmn  100  species,  is  almost 
exclusively  indigenous  to 
N.  America  and  the  (.'ape 
of  Good  Hope.  It  flowers 
late,  and  the  flowers  are 
of  every  variety  of  color. 


WELCOME  TO  A  STRANGER. 

And  thus  do  come  the  autumn  flowers, 
Lingering  like  exiles  on  their  way, 
And  ere  they  ventured  to  our  bowers 
Put  on  their  best  of  bright  and  gay. 


SENTIMENT. 

Stranger,  new  flowers  in  our  vales  are  seen, 

With  a  dazzling  eye,  and  a  lovely  green.  — 

They  scent  the  breath  of  the  dewy  morn: 

They  feed  no  worm,  and  they  hide  no  thorn, 

Rut  revel  and  glow  in  our  balmy  air; 

They  are  flowers  which  Freedom  hath  planted  there 

This  bud  of  welcome  to  thee  we  give,  — 

Bid  its  unborn  sweets  in  thy  bosom  live; 

It  shall  charm  thee  from  all  a  stranger's  pain, 

Reserve,  suspicion,  and  dark  disdain: 

A  race  in  its  freshness  and  bloom  are  we  ; 

Bring  no  cares  from  a  worn-out  world  with  thee. 

Mrt.  Sigournty. 


22  FLORA  I    INTERPRETER. 

AWEMONE.  (Wind-flower.)     Clou  18. 

Anemone.      Firginiana.        £££**  f^ffi^ 

ica.  The  flowers  of  the 
Anemone  are  of  various 
colors — white,  blue,  purple, 
yellow,  crimson,  etc. 

ANTICIPATION. 

Beside  a  fading  bank  of  snow, 
A  lovely  Anemone  blew, 
Unfolding  to  the  sun's  bright  glow 
Its  leaves  of  heaven's  serenest  hue: — 
T  is  Spring,  I  cried;  pale  Winter's  fled; 
The  earliest  wreath  of  flowers  is  blown; 
The  blossoms,  withered  long  and  dead, 
Will  soon  proclaim  their  tyrant  flown. 

Pereival. 

SENTIMENT. 

Alas!  that  dreams  are  only  dreams, 

That  fancy  cannot  give 
A  lasting  beauty  to  those  forms 

Which  scarce  a  moment  live. 

Alas!  that  youth's  fond  hopes  should  fade, 

And  love  be  but  a  name, 
While  its  rainbows,  followed  e'er  so  fast, 

Are  distant  still  the  same. 

ANNS, 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  23 


APOCYNUM.  (Indian  Hemp.)     Clatt  5.     Ordtr 

//.,«« tfVtY/>/;«im  *•     There  are   several  »pecies  of 

Hypenajoliwn. 


.India, 
and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

FALSEHOOD. 

I  bid  thee  of  this  fair  smiling  friend  beware, 
And  say  the  false  Jipocynwn  is  there. 

Darwin. 


SENTIMENT. 

Touch  not  the  hand  they  stretch  to  you ; 

The  falsely  proffered  cup  put  by: 
Will  you  believe  a  coward  true? 

Or  taste  the  poison  draught  to  die  ? 

Their  friendship  is  a  lurking  snare ; 

Their  honor  but  an  idle  breath ; 
Their  smile — the  smile  that  traitors  wear; 

Their  love  is  hate,  their  life  is  death. 

W.  O.  Si*** 


24  FLORA'*  INTERPRETER. 


ARUM.  (Wake  Robin.)     Clou  21.     Order  t.     A 

cLuw  of  about  80  "P60"*'  principally  to- 
digenom  to  India  and  the  wanner  part*  of 
Europe  and  America. 


FEROCITY  AND  DECEIT. 

Arum,  that  in  a  mantling  hood  conceals 
Her  sanguine  club,  and  spreads  her  spotted  leaf, 
Armed  with  keen  tortures  for  the  unwary  tongue. 

Gitbornt. 


SENTIMENT. 

O,  he  's  accurst  from  all  that 's  good, 
Who  never  knew  Love's  healing  power; 
Such  sinner  on  his  sins  must  brood, 
And  wait  alone  his  hour. 
If  stranger  to  earth's  beauty — human  love, 
There  is  no  rest  below,  nor  hope  above. 

AIM. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  t5 


ARBOR-VIT.E.  (False  White  Cedar.)    ClattZl.  Order 

'J'tnii  i  lf<-      M"-<tlv    small    trees.      Indigenous 

"wJUt  to  N.  America  and  Siberia;  also  found 

in  China,  Japan  and  the  Capo  of  Good 

Hope.     The  wood  was  formerly  used  in 

making  images. 

UNCHANGING  FRIENDSHIP. 

The  true  and  only  friend  is  he 
Who,  like  the  Arbor-vita,  tree, 
Will  bear  our  image  on  his  heart. 

Sir  Wm,  Jonm. 

SENTIMENT. 


The  dim  lights 


Which  man  has  set  upon  the  way  of  life, 
And  called  its  pleasures,  must  by  fiat  fade, 
And  leave  the  beacon  only  that 's  within! 
O  then  for  quiet,  or  the  meaner  home, 
Where  fashion  reigns  not,  and  the  weary  heart 
Beats  but  to  one,  and  answers  pulse  with  pulse. 
Then  for  the  soul's  own  circle,  never  broken 
By  the  rude  foot  that  tramples  on  the  flowers 
Of  all  our  best  affections. 

Grenrillt  Mtlltn. 

ANSWER. 

Where'er  thou  journey est,  or  whate'er  thy  care, 
My  heart  shall  follow,  and  my  spirit  share. — 

Mr$.  Sigournty 

s 


«6  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

AURICULA,   SCARLET.  <?/</«  5.   Order  I.  Perenni- 

.       .  ol    ilowunni*  tiurlv  •  most  of 

Primula  auricula. 

tli6  species  ulpinc,  no  wen 

of  almost  every  color. 

PRIDE. 

Where,  rayed  in  sparkling  dust  and  velvet  pride, 
Lake  brilliant  stars  arranged  in  splendid  row, 
The  proud  Auriculas  their  lustre  show. 

KlutL 

SENTIMENT. 

T  is  not  the  fairest  form,  that  holds 

The  mildest,  purest  soul  within; 
*T  is  not  the  richest  plant  that  folds 

The  sweetest  breath  of  fragrance  in: 
Then,  lady,  cast  thy  pride  away, 

And  chase  those  rebel  thoughts  of  thine; 
The  casket  may  be  bright  and  gay, 

Yet  all  within  refuse  to  shine: 
For,  should  misfortune  ever  lower, 

'T  will  cloud  those  charms  that  dazzle  so  ; 
And  friends  who  greet  thy  fortune's  power, 

Will  smile  upon  its  overthrow. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  27 

BACHELOR'S  BUTTON.         c/*i««  10.   Onier  2.  R«-dot 
Lycknis,  dioica.  Whiu.  Field  Campion.  Flow- 

era  in  J  uiie. 

HOPE  IN  LOVE. 

Flora's  choice  Buttons  of  a  mingled  dye 
Is  liope — even  in  the  depths  of  misery. 

Brown*. 

SENTIMENT. 

Never  forget  our  loves,  but  always  cling 
To  the  fixed  hope  that  there  will  be  a  time 
When  we  can  meet  unfettered,  and  be  blest 
With  the  full  happiness  of  certain  love. 

Ptrciml. 


28  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

BALM  Clasx  14.     0'<ier  1.     F.urop«an 

Melissa,  officinal*.          *?>££ ™«  t'^V- 

found  iii  lanes,  and  ulong  road- 
sides. 

SOCIAL  INTERCOURSE. 

And  Balm,  that  never  ceases  uttering  sweets, 
Goes  decking  the  green  earth  with  drapery. 

Flora  Domeslica, 

SENTIMENT. 

Blessed  we  sometimes  are!  and  I  am  now 
Happy  in  quiet  feelings;   for  the  tones 
Of  a  most  pleasant  company  of  friends 
Were  in  my  ear  but  now,  and  gentle  thoughts 
From  spirits  whose  high  character  I  know; 
And  1  retain  their  influence,  as  the  air 
Retains  the  softness  of  departed  day. 

H  'illii. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  29 


(Tourh-rne-not.)      Cla*t  5.      Order  1. 

Stein  i.ill,  und  much  lir.mrlii  d.  It  w  a 
native  ni'  tin-  Kast  Indicn,  China,  Japan 
and  also  of  America. 


IMPATIENCE. 

With  fierce  distracted  eye  Impatiens  stands, 
Swells  her  pale  cheeks,  and  brandishes  her  hands; 
With  rajje  and  hate  the  astonished  grove  alarms, 
And  hurls  her  infants  from  her  frantic  arms. 

Darwin. 

SENTIMENT. 

There  are  some  things  I  cannot  bear, 

Some  looks  which  rouse  my  angry  hate, 
Some  hearts  whose  love  I  would  not  share, 

Till  earth  and  heaven  wore  desolate. 
1  cannot  hear  to  be  with  men 

Who  only  see  my  weaknesses; 
Who  know  not  what  I  might  have  been, 

Hut  scan  my  spirit  as  it  is: 
And  when  my  heart  would  gush  with  feeling 

To  catch  one  kind,  one  sunny  look, 
When  lore  would  be  a  leaf  of  healing, 

But  scorn  a  thing  I  will  not  brook — 
Oh,  it  is  hard  to  put  the  heart 

Alone  and  desolate  away, 
To  curl  the  lip,  in  pride,  and  part 

With  the  kind  thoughts  of  yesterday. 
Tis  strange  they  know  not  that  the  chill 

Of  their  own  looks  hath  made  me  cold; 
What  though  my  words  fall  seldom,  still 

Their  own  proud  bearing  hath  controlled 
My  better  feelings.     They  forget 

I  have  a  heart  of  kindness  yet. 

WiUit. 
3» 


50  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


BAY    LEAF.  (Bay  or  Laurel  tree.)    Cla*t  9.    Order  1. 

I  >  •  According  to  th«  (jreek  1'iule,  Daphne 

was  transformed  into  the  l.aurrl  or  I'.ay 
tree,  and  Apollo,  her  lover,  crowned  his 
head  with  tlie  leaves. 


I  CHANGE  BUT  IN  DYING. 

Flowers  seek  the  light,  their  beauties  to  display; 
Th*  /eo/*will  smile  the  same  by  night  as  day. 

Anon. 


SENTIMENT. 

In  bower  and  garden  rich  and  rare 
There  's  many  a  cherished  flower, 
Whose  beauty  fades,  whose  fragance  flits 
Within  the  flitting  hour. 
Not  so  the  simple  forest  leaf, 
Unprized,  unnoticed  lying — 
The  same  through  all  its  little  life — 
It  changes  but  in  dying. 

Be  such,  and  only  such,  my  friends; 
Once  mine,  and  mine  forever; 
And  here  's  a  hand  to  clasp  in  theirs, 
That  shall  desert  them  never. 
And  thou  be  such,  my  gentle  love, 
Time,  chance,  the  world  defying; 
And  take,  't  is  all  I  have,  a  heart 
That  changes  but  in  dying. 

O.  W.  DOOM. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  81 

BAY  WREATH.  ClauQ.     Order  1.     Lauras  WM 

Caroluicims.     p.°  ..J,"  gientT  J^n  JJ"!!anof  **" 

cies  of  the  Laurus.  Found  most- 
ly within  tlio  tropics;  a  few  in 
the  United  Suites. 

GLORY. 

The  laurel  only  to  adorn 
The  conqueror  and  the  poet. 

Drayto*. 

SENTIMENT. 

Ambition!  ambition!  I  've  laughed  to  scorn 

Thy  robe  and  thy  gleaming  sword; 
I  would  follow  sooner  a  woman's  eye, 

Or  the  spell  of  a  gentle  word. 
But  come  with  the  glory  of  human  mind, 

And  the  light  of  the  scholar's  brow, 
And  my  heart  shall  be  taught  forgetfulnesa, 

And  alone  at  thy  altar  bow. 

FFIOfc. 

ANSWER. 

It  is  wonderful, 

That  man  should  hold  himself  so  haughtily, 
And  talk  of  an  immortal  name,  and  feed 
His  proud  ambition  with  such  daring  hopes 
As  creatures  of  a  more  eternal  nature 
Alone  should  form. 

ftrcitwl. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


BOX.  Clatt  21.     Order  4.     The   nrboro«-,ent   Hoi 

i»  grown  to  the  height  of  12  or    10   iVct.     The 

ancient*  used  to  clip  it  into  the  .>lu|n-  of  ani- 
mals. Native  of  Europe  and  America.  Tins 
Dwarf  Box  never  rises  higher  than  three  feet. 
It  u»  used  to  divide  becU  from  the  walks  of 
flower-gardens. 

CONSTANCY. 

Though  youth  be  past,  and  beauty  fled, 
The  constant  heart  its  pledge  redeems, 
Like  Box,  that  guards  the  flowerless  bed, 
And  brighter  from  the  contrast  seems. 

Anon. 


SENTIMENT 

1  have  won 

Thy  heart,  my  gentle  girl !  but  it  hath  been 
When  that  soft  eye  was  on  me ;  and  the  love 
I  told  beneath  the  evening  influence, 
Shall  be  as  constant  as  its  gentle  star. 

Willit. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  33 


Clattll.     Order  10.     A  genus  of  0  ,nb« 
Genista.  almost    entirely    European.       Ther      are 

three    varieties  —  the    yellow,    violet,    and 
white  flowering. 

HUMILITY. 

When  Dan  Sol  to  slope  his  wheels  began 
Amid  the  Broome  to  bask  him  on  the  ground, 
Where  the  wild  thyme  and  chamomile  are  found—- 
There would  he  linger,  till  the  latent  ray 
Ol'  lights  .-at  trembling  on  the  welkin  bound. 

Thornton. 


SENTIMENT. 

The  rose  in  thy  garden  this  morning  that  bloomed, 
See  its  leaves  arc  all  faded  and  strewed  o'er  the  plain, 
An<l  even  the  /ephvr,  whose  breath  it  perfumed, 
Seems  sighing  to  sav  that  all  beautv  is  vain. 
lint  there  is  u  fnrnr  that  eamiot  drcnve, 
That  all  may  confide  in  to  whom  it  is  given; 
And  there  is  a  '6<pni//j/'  no  time  can  bereave, 
That    perfumes  with    its    fragrance   the    gardens    of 

heaven: 

'T  is  the  j'nrur  Humility  earns  from  on  high  — 
Shown  to  all  who  in  virtue's  fair  pathway  ahull  move; 
'T  is  the  Ixdiilij  of  Holiness,  never  to  die, 
But  to  blossom  forever  in  bowers  above. 

Token  for  1828. 


34  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER 

BUTTER-CUP.    KlNC-CUP.       Clan  13.      Or/i-r  3.      An 

Ranunculus,  aero  l*^*'*  frm'^!^'""^ 

pean.  Color  of  tlie  (lower 
yellow  generally  ;  flowen 
from  May  till  August 

RICHES. 
Bright  flowing  King-cups  promise  future  wealth — 

The  golden  King-cup  shines  in  the  merry  month  of 
May. 

Smdhey. 

SENTIMENT. 

'Money  makes  many  friends,'  the  proverb  saith. 
Had  I  the  means  of  winning  only  one, 
I  'd  deem  myself  the  richest  man  on  earth, 
Nor  envy  even  Rothschild's  golden  name. 


ANSWER. 

Thinkest  thou  the  man  whose  mansions  hold 
The  worldling's  pride,  the  miser's  gold, 

Obtains  a  richer  prize 
Than  he  who  in  his  cot,  at  rest, 
Finds  heavenly  peace  a  willing  guest, 
Ajid  bears  the  earnest  in  his  breast 

Of  treasure  in  the  skies  ? 

Mn.  Sigourney. 


FLORA  S    INTERPRETER.  55 


CALLA,  jETHIOPICA.  Clan  20.     Order  IS.     Ana- 

'-      »»  »       « 


er,  calyx    white  an  ulabaater, 
and  has  a  pleasant  perfume. 


MAGNIFICENT  BEAUTY. 

Magnificent  Calla,  in  mantle  of  milk. 

.Mrt. 


SENTIMENT. 


When  I  look 


On  one  so  fair,  I  must  believe  that  Heaven 
Sent  her  in  kindness,  that  our  hearts  might  waken 
To  their  own  loveliness,  and  lill  themselves, 
By  such  an  adoration,  from  a  dark 
And  grovelling  world.     Such  beauty  should  be  wor- 
shipped; 

And  not  a  thought  of  weakness  or  decay 
Should  mingle  with  the  pure  and  hallowed  dreams 
In  which  it  dwells  before  us. 

PtrciwiL 

ANSWER. 

How  idly  of  the  human  heart  we  i peak, 
Giving  it  gods    f  clay. 


06  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

CALYCANTHUS.  (Carolina  Allnpiee.)     Clcu,  12     0,- 

f^     r>l      .,  der  5.    Odoriferous  and  >[>i''\ 

C.  tlonaus.  Flowt'rs  at  first  dark   brown',  hcrom- 

ing  paler  in  drying  ;  rhanLriti(;  en- 
tirely to  olive  gre«Mi,  s«-nt«'<l  lik'1 
ripe  apples.  A  North  American  jr- 
iius,  with  the  exception  of  one 
species. 

BENEVOLENCE. 

The  gifts  of  love  bear  golden  fruits, 

In  usury  to  the  giver's  bosom, 

As  the  spicy  Calycanthus  shoots 

Its  wreath  of  flowers  from  the  leafy  blossom.* 

Anoit. 


SE.NTIME.NT. 

Wouldst  thou  from  sorrow  find  a  sweet  relief, 
Or  is  thy  heart  oppressed  with  woes  untold? 
Balm  wouldst  thou  gather  for  corroding  grief; 
Pour  blessings  round  thee  like  a  shower  of  gold? 
T  is  when  the  rose  is  wrapped  in  ninny  a  fold 
Close  to  its  heart,  the  worm  is  wasting  there 
Its  life  and  beauty;   not  when,  all  unrolled, 
Led"  after  leaf,  its  bosom,  rich  and  fair, 
Breathes  freely  its  perfumes  throughout  the  ambient 

air. 

Rouse  to  some  work  of  high  and  holy  love, 
And  thou  an  angel's  happiness  shall  know. 

Carlos  Wilcoj:. 

*  By  cutting  off  the  terminal  leaf-buds  after  the  usual  season,  a 
succession  of  flowers  may  be  obtained  throughout  the  Hummer; 
every  leaf-bud  so  extracted  being  constantly  succeeded  by  two 
flowers.  JYuttall. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER  91 


CARNATION.  Clan  1C.     Order  2.     Fhwer*   solitary, 

/>..//,.,  •  <J    ^    rich    culture   atuineu    uiay    b« 

a  ,'Hly  changed  to  petal*.     Exotic. 


PRI^E  AND  BEAUTY. 

nd  there  the  be  tuteoua  Carnation  stood, 

With  proud  disdainful  eye. 

Zephyrut  and  Flora. 


SENTIMENT 

She  has  all 

That  wouk1  ensure  an  angel's  fall; 
But  there  »  a  cool  collected  look, 
\s  if  her  /.tilscs  beat  by  book, — 
A  measured  tone,  a  cold  reply, 
A  iiKtin^cinrnt  of  voice  uiid  eye, 
A  calm,  poasesned,  authentic  air, 
riuit  leaves  u  doultt  ol'sol'luess  there, 

Fill look  and  wonthip  as  1  may, 

My  fevered  thoughts  will  pans  away. 


38  FLORA  S    INTERPRETER. 

CAMELLIA  JAPONICA.       &au  ie.    Order  is.  A  lofty, 

C.  Japonica.  Jar8°  evergreen  tree.     Flower. 

r  large  and  beautiful,  in  the  form 

of  a  rose,  exhibiting  a  variety 
of  colors;  but  the  prevailing  one 
red.  A  native  of  China  and 
Japan. 

UNPRETENDING  EXCELLENCE. 

The  chaste  Camellia's  pure  and  spotless  bloom, 
That  boasts  no  fragrance,  and  conceals  no  thorn. 

William  floico*. 

SENTIMENT. 

Pure-hearted  as  a  buried  pearl 

Within  a  crimson  shell, 
A  soft-eyed  and  a  radiant  girl 

Art  thou,  my  Rosabelle. 
Sweet  beauty  sleeps  upon  thy  brow, 

And  floats  before  my  eyes; 
As  meek  and  pure  as  doves  art  thou, 

Or  beings  of  the  skies. 

Thy  mild  looks  are  all  eloquent, 
Thy  bright  ones  free  and  glad, 

Like  glances  from  a  pleiad  sent — 
Thy  sad  ones  sweetly  sad. 

I  think  of  thee  when  daylight  pours 
Her  glances  through  the  sky, 

And  then  with  thee  my  spirit  soars 
Among  the  things  on  high. 

Thou  art  an  angel  by  my  side ; 
To  earth  I  bid  farewell, 

And  every  dream  of  pomp  and  pride—- 
To all  but  Rosabelle. 

JUtrlJHbrrM 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  39 

CANTERBURY  BF.LL.  (H.-ii-flower.)  class  5.  Order 
Campanula,  medium.  .'•  .  A  VIWt  f"u*-  bu,1  'nortly 

indigenous  to  Luxope.     Only  two 

>|i.-ri..-s  found  in  South  America. 
Flowers  hi uc,  purple  or  while. 
Monopctulous. 

I 

GRATITUDE. 

To  mo  there  's  a  tone  from  the  blue  Kdl-jlmecr 
With  her  blossoms  so  fresh  when  the  storm  is  o'er, 
As  she  thanked  the  sun  for  his  beams  the  while,— 
That  flower  has  taught  me  to  repay 
The  friends  who  have  cheered  my  stormy  day, 
With  a  grateful  brow  and  a  sunny  smile. 

Anon. 

SENTIMENT. 

Thou  *rt  like  n  star;  for  when  my  way  was  cheerless  and  forlorn. 
And  all  wait  lil.vkness  like  tin:  sky  before  a  coining  storm, 
Thy  beaming  smilo  and  words  of  love,  thy  heart  of  kindness  free, 
Illum'd  my  path,  then  cheered  my  soul,  and  bado  iu  sorrows  flee. 

Thou  'rt  like  a  star — when  sad  and  lone  I  wander  forth  to  view 
The  lamps  of  ni^ht,  beneath  their  rays  my  spirit  '«  nerved  anew, 
And  thus  I  lovo  to  gaze  on  thec,  and  then  I  think  thou  'at  power 
To  mix  the  cup  of  joy  for  me,  even  in  life's  darkest  hour. 

Thou  'rt  like  a  star — whene'er  my  eye  is  upward  turned  to  gaz« 
Upon  those  orbs,  I  mark  with  awe  their  clear  celestial  blaze; 
And  then  thou  seem'st  so  pure,  so  high,  so  beautifully  bright 
I  almost  feel  as  if  it  were  an  angel  met  my  sight. 

Thou  'rt  like  a  star — perchance  the  proud  and  haughty  pass  me  by. 
And  curl  the  lip;  but  not  to  them  is  bowed  my  spirit  high; 
No,  not  to  them  ;  e'en  should  they  wear  earth's  proudest  diadem; 
Bat  I  would  bow  before  thee  now,  and  kiss  thy  garment's  hem. 

American  Lttdiei'  Magazine. 


40  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


CARDINAL'S  FLOWER.       Class  5.    Order  i.    Flowers 
Lobelia,  cardinalis. 

of  North  America;  growing  by 
the  uides  of  rivers  und  ditches. 
It  is  a  beautiful  flower. 


DISTINCTION. 

Lobelia  attired  like  a  queen  in  her  pride. 

Mrt.  Sigournty. 

SENTIMENT. 

If  this  familiar  spirit,  that  communes 
With  yours  this  hour — that  has  the  power  to  search 
All  things — but  its  own  compass — is  a  spark 
Struck  from  the  burning  essence  of  its  (jod — 
If,  when  these  weary  organs  drop  away, 
We  shall  forget  their  uses,  and  commune 
With  angels  and  each  other,  as  the  stars 
Mingle  their  light  in  silence  and  in  love — 
What  is  this  fleshy  letter  of  a  dav, 
That  we  should  crown  it  witn  immortal  flowers? 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  41 


CATCHFLT.  Clan  10.     Order  3.     There  are  nearly 

Silent.  *°°  species,  extending  throughout   Eu- 

rope, uud  parsing  into  liarbary,  etc. 
One  of  the  most  splendid  species,  flow- 
era  bright  Hcarlet,  in  found  in  Ohio  and 
Lower  Lot 


ARTIFICE,  OR  PRETENDED  LOVE. 

The  fell  Silent,  and  her  sisters  fair, 

Skilled  in  destruction,  spread  the  viscous  snare. 

Darwin. 

SENTIMENT. 

O,  I  did  love  her  dearly, 

And  gave  her  toys  and  rings, 
And  thought  she  meant  sincerely, 

When  she  took  my  pretty  things: 
But  her  heart  has  grown  as  icy 

As  a  fountain  in  the  fall; 
And  her  love,  that  was  so  spicy, 

It  did  not  last  at  all. 

I  gave  her  once  a  locket, 

It  was  filled  with  my  own  hair, 
And  she  put  it  in  her  pocket 

With  very  special  care. 
But  a  jeweller  has  got  it — 

He  offered  it  to  me, 
And  another,  that  is  not  it, 

Around  her  neck  I  see. 

Before  the  gates  of  fashion 

I  daily  bent  my  knee; 
But  I  sought  the  shrine  of  passion, 

And  found  my  idol — thee. 
Though  never  love  intenser 

Had  bowed  a  soul  before  it, — 
Thine  eye  was  on  the  censer, 

And  not  the  hand  that  bore  it. 

O.  W. 
4* 


42  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

CEDAR.  (Virginia  Juniper,  or  Red  Cedar.)      Clast 

TtmtrtfriLS  20.     Order   12.     Native   of  N.   America, 

^  and   the  West  India   Islands,  and   Japan. 

The  wood  of  this  tree  will  resist  the  attacks 

of  insects;  it  is  the  red  cedar  BO  much  used 

in  lead  pencils. 

THINK  OF  ME. 

The  memory  of  our  loves  shall  be 
As  changeless  as  the  Cedar  tree. 

Anon. 

SENTIMENT. 

Look  to  the  east,  when  the  morning  is  bright, 
When  the  purple  is  blending  with  rays  of  rose-light: 
My  spirit  shall  then  hold  communion  with  thee, 
And  thy  blush,  bright  as  morning,  must  whisper  of  me. 

And  look  to  the  west,  when  pavilioned  afar, 
Sweet  love  sends  her  smile  from  her  own  favored  star; 
And  think  of  our  friendship,  as  pure  as  star-shine, — 
My  spirit  shall  then  hold  communion  with  thine. 

And  at  midnight's  deep  hour,  when  the  moon  is  on 

high, 

Should  the  angel  of  sleep  leave  unsealed  thy  soft  eye 
Look  forth!  the  calm  radiance  is  hallowed  by  love, 
And  then  prayers  from  true  hearts  may  mingle  above 

Mrt.  Halt. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  43 

ClIAMOMILE.  CVa.wlS.     OrrlerZ.    Herbaceous; 

Jlnlktmis,  nobilis.  or"1  n°wcr;f  r:i>"  wlli.tw  or  r""w; 

piM-*  mil  a  fragrant  odor.  A  genu* 
of  aliout  •!.">  species,  almost  exclu- 
sively indigenous  to  Europe. 

ENERGY  IN  ADVERSITY. 

Like  the  meek  Chanwmile,  it  grew 
Luxuriant  irum  the  bruise  anew. 

/.  W.  Eattburne. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  said  to  Sorrow's  awful  storm, 

That  beat  against  my  breast, 
Rage  on — thou  maysf    destroy  this  form, 

And  lay  it  low  at  rest ; 
Yet  still,  tlir  spirit  that  now  brooks 

Thy  tempest  riiging  high, 
Undaunted,  011  its  fury  looks 

Witli  steadfast  eye 

I  said  to  Penury's  meagre  train, 

Come  on — your  threats  I  brave, 
My  last  poor  life-drop  you  may  drain, 

And  crush  IMC  to  tlir  jrrave; 
Yet  still,  the  spirit  that  endures, 

Shall  mock  your  force  the  while, 
And  meet  each  cold,  cold  grasp  of  youn 
With  bitter  smile. 

I  said  to  cold  Neglect  and  Scorn, 

Pass  on — I  heed  you  not ; 
Ye  may  pursue  me  till  my  form 

And  being  are  forgot ; 
Yet  still,  the  spirit  which  you  see 

Undaunted  by  your  wiles, 
Draws  from  its  own  nobility 

Its  high-born  smiles. 

Jlnonynunu 


44  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

CHINA  ASTER.  Class  W.     Order  2.    Averjexteo. 

Aftr,  CMM»».         jj  fiT-mSSE  S,£T£ 

most    beautiful;     flowers    of  alinort 
every  variety  cf  color. 

LOVE  OF  VARIETY. 

And  varied  as  the  Aster's  flower, 
The  charms  of  beauty  bless  my  eye — 
For  who  would  prize  the  corning  hour, 
If  only  like  the  hours  gone  by  ? 

Anon, 

SENTIMENT. 

The  sleepless  streams  move  onward 
Through  beds  of  idling  lilies, 
Chiding  the  foolish  flowers 
That  watch  their  mirrored  beauty; 
So  live  the  thoughtless  many, 
Who  throng  the  halls  of  fashion. 

Dawu. 

ANSWER. 

O,  we  hope  and  we  image  through  life's  busy  scenes 
Length  of  years,  and  the  bliss  of  enjoying; 

But,  alas!  the  dark  blight  of  fell  death  intervenes, 
The  flower  in  its  blossom  destroying. 

JVew  York  Mirror. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  46 


CLEMATIS.  (Virgin's  Bower.)     Clots  18.     Order  7. 

C     Viririnica          A  genus  of  about  3o  species,  distributed 
0.    rirgim  over  the  world.     Flowers  white  and  pale 

blue. 

MENTAL  BEAUTY. 

To  later  summer's  fragrant  breath 
Clematis'  feathery  garlands  dance, 
And  graceful  there  her  fillets  weaves. 

Smitk. 

SENTIMENT. 

Beauty  has  gone;  but  yet  her  mind  is  still 
As  beautiful  as  ever;  still  the  play 
Of  light  around  her  lips  has  every  charm 
Of  childhood  in  its  freshness. 


ANSWER, 

The  days  of  youthful  friendship, 
When  heart  to  heart  is  lightly  bound 
In  rosy  wreaths  that  bind  them  round, 

More  beautiful  than  strong; 
And,  even  in  breaking,  scatter  flowers, 
The  rapid  growth  of  sunny  hours, 

That  heal  their  wounds  ere  long. 

But  dearer  things  than  these  do  lie 
Within  our  mortal  grasp  —  and  earth 
Hath  not  a  moment  from  our  birth, 

The  cradle  to  the  sod, 
Like  that,  when  freed  from  passion's  sway, 
The  mind  rejects  a  feebler  stay, 

And  rests  its  hopes  on  God. 

Mn.  Well* 


46  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

COLUMBINE.  Clou  18.     Order  5.     A  genoi  of  nx 

JJauileeia.  'P6™95  found  b  Si^eria1.and  S^P6' 

"VU"C6 "*'  and  from  Canada  to  Carolina.     Flower* 

red,  purple,  blue,  while,  etc. 

DESERTION. 

The  Columbine  in  tawny  often  taken, 
Is  then  ascribed  to  such  as  are  forsaken. 

B 


SENTIMENT. 

How  I  have  loved  thee !  O,  recall 

Those  past  delicious  hours, 
Which  made  me  happy  as  a  bird, 

In  its  sweet  home  of  flowers: 
And  thou  wast  all  my  happiness, 

My  love — my  joy — my  pride ! 
Thou  know'st  I  had  no  other  joy, 

And  none  to  love  beside. 
Then  plighted  we  our  nuptial  troth, 

That  it  might  never  change, 
Through  all  the  cares  and  ills  of  earth, 

That  other  hearts  estrange. 
And  thus  through  long — long  years — but  why 

Call  back  the  visions  flown? 
They  parted  as  the  wave  glides  on — 

They  died  as  stars  go  down. 
I  will  not  wake  those  thoughts  again, 

The  hopes  like  meteor-glows — 
What  now,  alas !  are  all  to  me  ? 

Dreams!  dreams  of  broken  vows! 

MilUr. 


FLORA  8    INTERPRETER.  47 


CONVOLVULUS.  (Bind  Weed.)     Class  5.     Order  1. 

America,  I'.urope  and  India.     Flow- 
era  white,  red  mid  blue. 


WORTH  SUSTAINED  BY  AFFECTION. 

Flowers,  shrinking  from  the  chilly  night, 

Droop  and  shut  up;  but  with  fair  morning's  touch, 

Rise  on  their  stems,  all  open  and  upright. 

Montague. 

SENTIMENT. 

O!  there  is  one  affection  which  no  stain 
Of  earth  can  ever  darken; — when  two  find, 
The  softer  and  the  manlier,  that  a  chain 
Of  kindred  taste  has  fastened  mind  to  mind; 
T  is  an  attraction  from  all  sense  refined; 
The  good  can  only  know  it;   'tis  not  blind, 
As  love  is  unto  baseness;  its  desire 
IB  but  with  hands  entwined  to  lift  our  being  higher. 

Percival. 


48  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

COREOPSIS,  ARKANSA.        Class    19.      Order    8.      Am 

<inc-.ru,. 


continues    in    flower   till    an 
turnn.     Flowers  yellow. 

ALWAYS  CHEERFUL. 

The  Coreopsis,  cheerful  aa  the  smile 

That  brightens  on  the  cheek  of  youth,  and  sheds 

A  gladness  o'er  the  aged. 

Jlnonymovt. 

SENTIMENT. 

The  world  is  bright  before  thee, 

Its  summer  flowers  are  thine; 
Its  calm  blue  sky  is  o'er  thee, 

Thy  bosom  pleasure's  shrine; 
And  thine  the  sunbeam  given 

To  nature's  morning  hour, 
Pure,  warm,  as  when  from  heaven 

It  burst  on  Eden's  bower. 

There  is  a  song  of  sorrow, 

The  death-dirge  of  the  gay, 
That  tells,  ere  dawn  of  morrow, 

These  charms  may  melt  away, 
That  sun's  bright  beam  be  shaded, 

That  sky  be  blue  no  more, 
The  summer  flowers  be  faded, 

And  youth's  warm  promise  o'er. 

Believe  it  not  —  though  lonely 

Thy  evening  home  may  be, 
Though  beauty's  bark  can  only 

Float  on  a  summer's  sea; 
Though  time  thy  bloom  is  stealing, 

There  's  still  beyond  his  art 
The  wild-flower  wreath  of  feeling, 

The  sunbeam  of  the  heart. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  49 

COWSLIP,  AMERICAN.         Clan  5.    Order  \.    A  beauti- 

Dodtcathcon,  media.  Jj1  fl°wefr>  y«»?w  a"df  !*Wt* 

May  be  round  from  Maine  to 
Missouri. 

WINNING  GRACE. 

Smiled  like  a  knot  of  Cowslips  on  the  cliff. 

Blair. 

SENTIMENT. 


The  rose  its  blushes  need  not  lend, 
Nor  yet  the  lily  with  them  blend, 

To  captivate  my  eyes: 
Give  me  a  cheek  the  heart  obeys, 
And,  sweetly  mutable,  displays 

Its  feelings  as  they  rise ; 

Features,  where  pensive,  more  than  gay, 
Save  when  a  rising  smile  doth  play, 

The  sober  thoughts  you  see; 
Eyes  that  all  soft  and  tender  seem, 
And  kind  affections  round  them  beam, 

But  most  of  all  on  me ; 

A  form,  though  not  of  finest  mould, 
Where  yet  a  something  you  behold 

Unconsciously  doth  please; 
Manners  all  graceful  without  art, 
Tha*  to  each  look  and  word  impart 

A  modesty  and  ease. 

Fritbie. 


50  FLORA  S    INTERPRETER. 


CROCUS.  ClatsS.     Order  1.    One  of  tho  earliest  spring 

CroCUS  Howers.     Colors  purple,  yellow  and  whuo. 


YOUTHFUL  GLADNESS. 


Glad  as  the  spring,  when  the  first  Crocus  comes 
To  laugh  amid  the  shower. — 

Marvin. 


SENTIMENT. 


Light  to  thy  path,  bright  creature!  I  would  charm 
Thy  being,  if  I  could,  that  it  should  be 
Ever  as  now  thou  dreamest,  and  flow  on, 
Thus  innocent  and  beautiful,  to  heaven. 

PRtK* 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  51 


CROWN  IMPERIAL.  Clot*  6.     Order  I.     Ind.ffenoiu 


p    « 

white  or  purplinh. 


PRIDE  OF  BIRTH. 

Then  heed  ye  not  the  dazzling  gem 
That  gleams  in  Fritillana'a  diadem. 

JBMM, 


SENTIMENT. 

It  did  not  need  (hat  altered  look, 

Nor  that  uplififd  ln-ow — 
I  had  not  askrd  thy  haughty  love, 

Were  I  as  proud  as  now. 
My  love  was  like  a  beating  heart — 

Unbidden  and  unstaycd; 
And  had  I  known  but  half  its  power, 

I  had  not  been  betrayed. 

prow* 


62  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

CYPRESS.  Class  21.     Order  16.     The 

CuDrcssus*  scnwcrvirsns.      BL'"U!I  ls  I1()t 

*'*  *  to  Aiuencu  und  li<uropti«  also 

found  in  Asia. 

DESPAIR. 

The  Cypress,  that  darkly  shades  the  grave, 
Is  sorrow  that  mourns  its  bitter  lot. 

Percital. 

SENTIMENT 

I  turn  me  back,  and  find  a  barren  waste, 
Joyless  and  nivlcss;    u  few  spots  are  there, 
Where  briefly  it  was  granted  me  to  taste 
The  tenderness  of  youthful  love — in  air 
The  charm  is  broken 

Percival. 

ANSWER. 


•  The  sick  soul, 


That  burns  with  love's  delusions,  ever  dreams, 

Dreading  its  losses.     It  forever  makes 

A  gloomy  shadow  gather  in  the  skies, 

And  clouds  the  day;  and,  looking  far  beyond 

The  glory  in  its  gaze,  it  sadly  sees 

Countless  privations,  and  far-coming  storms, 

Shrinking  from  what  it  conjures. 

Love  is  a  sorry  slave, 

And  a  sad  master. 

W.  G.  Simmt. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  53 

DAFFODIL.  Class  6.     Order  1.     It  is  a  magnifi- 

major.        c«nt  flower,  a  natto  of  Spain.    Color 
a  golden  yellow. 


UNCERTALNTY. 

JVarcmtw,  brilliant  as  our  hopes, 
Uncertain  as  our  date. 

Jlnonymout. 

SENTIMENT. 

Thou  art  now  in  thy  morning — and  thy  youth 
Speaks  in  the  leaping  blood  that  rides  thy  pulse, 
And  plants  its  banner  on  thy  cheek  and  brow. 
Young  light  is  in  thy  eye,  and  on  thy  heart; 
Thy  days  are  hut  the  da \vninjis  of  new  hopes, 
And  thy  nights  lull  of  beauty!     But  time — time, 
That  stern  revolver  of  our  wannest  dreams, 
Will  mark  thy  life  with  passages  of  grief, 
And  deal  thy  portion  to  tlu-e. 

*  *  *  #  4  # 

I  have  seen  change — though  youth  is  on  my  brow, 
I  have  seen  change.      1  've  trod  the  glittering  way 
Of  the  loud  throng — and  lived  in  lighted  halls; 
Fate  too  has  called  me  to  another  scene, 
And  time  has  brought  its  trial.     I  have  passed 
To  life's  extremes!  quiet,  and  laid  down 
In  thankfulness  of  spirit,  that  my  heart 
Found  joy  in  that  sweet  silence.     I  have  said, 
Let  the  world  heave  on  in  its  ocean-noise, 
I  ask  but  friends  and  home — and  if  to  these 
Heaven  add  the  boon  of  love,  my  lot  is  full, 
And  rapture  yet  may  light  my  pilgrimage. 

Grenville  Melltn. 


64  VLpRA's    INTERPRETER. 


DAHLIA.  C7o**19.  Order  2.  A  genus  only  indigenou* 

Dalilia  '°  ^oul'1  America,  but  culliuttccl  in  I.urope. 

Flowers  nearly  a*  large  an  the  China  u^tcr. 


ELEGANCE  A.ND  DIGNITY. 

In  queenly  elegance  the  Dahlia  stands, 
And  waves  her  coronet. 

Anon, 


SENTIMENT. 

Thy  beauty  is  as  undenied 

As  the  beauty  of  a  star; 
And  thy  heart  beats  just  as  equally, 

Whale 'er  thy  praises  are; 
And  so  long  without  a  parallel 

Thy  loveliness  hath  shone, 
That,  followed  like  the  tided  moon, 

Thou  movest  as  calmly  on. 


65 


DAISY.  Clau  19.     Order  2.     A  lovely  little  flower,  cora- 

Bellis  n'(l"  'a  ^ur°P°-     Flowers  early,  colors  blue  and 

white. 

BEAUTY  AND  INNOCENCE. 

The  Daisy  scattered  on  each  mead  and  downe, 
A  golden  tuft  within  a  silver  crown; 
Fuire  fell  that  dainty  flower!  and  may  there  be 
No  shepherd  graced  that  doth  not  honor  thee. 

Brown*. 

SE.VTIMKNT. 

The  star  that  gems  life's  morning  sky, 

Smilo  sweetly  o'er  thee  now; 
And  flowers  around  thy  pathway  lie, 

And  roses  crown  thy  brow — 
That  shod  thrir  delicate  perfume 
'Mid  ringlets  trembling  like  a  plume; 
While  a  deep  witchery,  soft  and  bright, 
Is  floating  in  those  eyes  of  light. 

Pure  and  undimmed,  thy  angel  smile 

Is  mirrored  on  my  dreams, 
Like  evening's  sunset  girded  isle 

Upon  her  shadowed  streams: 
And  o'er  my  thoughts  thy  vision  floats, 
Like  melody  of  spring-bird  notes, 
When  the  blue  halcyon  gently  laves 
His  plumage  in  the  flashing  waves. 

I  cannot  gaze  on  aught  that  wears 

The  beauty  of  the  skies, 
Or  aught  that  in  life's  valley  bears 

The  hues  of  paradise; 
I  cannot  look  upon  a  star, 
Or  cloud  that  seems  a  seraph's  car, 
Or  any  form  of  purity — 
IJnmingled  with  a  dronm  of  thee. 

P.  Btnjamin. 


66  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

DANDELION.  C7ass  19-     Order  I.     Indige- 

,,  taratacum.       «™  •  gS^CS 

early  ui  the  spring;  its  floweri 
open  a  little  after  sunrise,  and 
close  before  sunset. 

COQUETRY. 


Thine  full  many  a  pleasing  bloom 
Of  blossoms  lost  to  all  perfume. 
Thine  the  Dandelion  flowers, 
Gilt  with  dew,  like  suns  with  showers. 

John  dart. 


SENTIMENT. 


Thou  delightest  the  cold  world's  gaze, 

When  crowned  with  the  flower  and  the  gem, 

But  thy  lover's  smile  should  be  dearer  praise 
Than  the  incense  thou  prizest  from  them. 

And  gay  is  the  playful  tone, 

As  to  the  flattering  voice  thou  respondest; 
But  what  is  the  praise  of  the  cold  and  unknown 

To  the  tender  blame  of  the  fondest  ? 

John  EceretL 


ANSWER. 


Cast  my  heart's  gold  into  the  furnace  flame, 
And  if  it  come  not  thence  refined  and  pure, 
I'll  be  a  bankrupt  to  thy  hope,  and  heaven 
Shall  shut  its  gates  on  me. 

Mr i.  Sigovrney. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER  57 

DEW  PLANT.  (Fig.   Marygold.)    Clan  12.   Or- 


pie;  it  differs  from  the  Ice-plant 
in  having  less  of  the  frosted  ap- 
pearance. 


SERENADE. 

And  winking  Mary-buds  begin 
To  ope  their  golden  eyes: 
With  every  pretty  thing  that  bin, 
My  lady  sweet,  arise! 
Arise,  arise! 

Shaktptart. 

SENTIMENT. 

Innocent  dreams  be  thine!  thy  heart  sends  up 
Its  thoughts  of  purity  ,  like  pearly  hells, 
Rising  in  crystal  fountains.      Would  I  were 
A  sound,  that  I  might  steal  upon  thy  dreams, 
And,  like  the  breathing  of  my  llute,  distil 
Sweetly  upon  thy  senses. 
*  •  *  •  • 

The  night  above  thee  broodeth, 

1  lushed  and  deep; 
But  no  dark  thought  intrudeth 

On  the  sleep 

Which  folds  thy  senses  now: 
Gentle  spirits  float  around  thee, 
Gentle  rest  hath  softly  bound  thee, 

For  pure  art  thou. 

Willit. 


58  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

EGLANTINE.  (European  Sweet  Brier.)      Clatt   12. 

Rosa,  rubi<rnosa.          Order  IS.     Flower*  pink  color,  some- 

M^IH,  times  whitish;  sweet  scented. 

I  WOUND  TO  HEAL. 

And  the  fresh  Eglantine  exhaled  a  breath, 
Whose  odors  were  of  power  to  raise  from  death. 

Spencer. 

SENTIMENT. 

When  the  tree  of  Love  is  budding  first, 

Ere  yet  its  leaves  are  green, 
Ere  yet  by  shower  and  sunbeam  nursed 

Its  infant  lite  hath  been; 
The  wild  bee's  slightest  touch  might  wring 

The  buds  from  off  the  tree, 
As  the  gentle  dip  of  the  swallow's  wing 

Breaks  the  bubbles  on  the  sea: 
But  when  its  open  leaves  have  found 

A  home  in  the  free  air, 
Pluck  them,  and  there  remains  a  wound 

That  ever  rankles  there. 
The  blight  of  hope  and  happiness 

Is  felt  when  fond  ones  part; 
And  the  bitter  tear  that  follows,  is 

The  life-blood  of  the  heart. 
Then  crush,  even  in  the  hour  of  birth, 

The  infant  buds  of  love, 
And  tread  the  growing  fire  to  earth 

Ere  't  is  dark  in  clouds  above. 
Cherish  no  more  a  cypress  tree 

To  shade  thy  future  years, 
Nor  nurse  a  heart-flame  that  must  be 

Quenched  only  with  thy  tears. 

Halleck. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  59 


ELDER.  Class  5.     Order  3.    Indigonoua  to  Anier- 

Sambucus  ni«er    ica>  Kur°Pe  and  India-    flowers  milk. 

»          white;    berries   dark   purple,    medicinal. 
and  so  are  the  leaves  and  bark. 


COMPASSION. 

The  healing  Elder,  like  compassion  mild, 
Lifts  her  meek  flowers  amid  the  pathless  wild. 

Anon. 

SENTIMENT. 

The  fields  for  thee  have  no  medicinal  leaf, 

Nor  the  vexed  ore  a  mineral  of  power; 
And  they  who  loved  thee  wait  in  anxious  grief  — 
****** 

-  Death  should  come 
Gently  to  one  of  gentle  mould,  like  thee, 
As  light  winds,  wandering  through  groves  of  bloom, 

Detach  the  delicate  blossoms  from  the  tree. 
Close  thy  sweet  eyes  calmly  and  without  pain, 
And  we  will  trust  in  God  to  see  thee  yet  again. 

BryanL 

ANSWER. 

My  hour  has  come,  I  lay  me  down, 

With  the  dark  grave  in  view; 
And,  hoping  for  a  heavenly  crown, 

I  bid  the  world  adieu. 
***** 
I  dreamed  of  tortures  in  death's  hour, 

Of  fevered  brain  and  limb, 
And  of  unearthly  forms  that  lower, 

When  the  eye  waxes  dim. 
My  dreams  in  death  have  other  mouHs, 

Forms  beautiful  and  bright 
Are  with  inc.  — 

Jontt. 


60  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

EVERLASTING.         Class  19.    Order  2.   An  extensive  genm 
/2___L „;,•. .,  mostly  indigenous  to  the  Cape  of  Good 

bnaplwbum.          Hope'  but  j?ound  ^  Europe  ^  /Vjuerica> 

The  American  lias  white  flowers. 
ALWAYS  REMEMBERED. 

Gnaphalium,  like  the  thoughts  we  love, 
Can  every  change  and  season  prove. 

Anon. 


SENTIMENT. 

I  think  of  thee,  when  morning  springs 

From  sleep  with  plumage  bathed  in  dew, 
And  like  a  young  bird  lifts  her  wings 

Of  gladness  on  the  welkin  blue; 
And  when  at  noon  the  breath  of  love 

O'er  flower  and  stream  is  wandering  free, 
And  sent  in  music  from  the  grove, 

I  think  of  thee — I  think  of  thee. 

I  think  of  thee,  when  soft  and  wide 

The  evening  spreads  her  robes  of  light, 
And,  like  a  young  and  timid  bride, 

Sits  blushing  in  the  arms  of  night: 
And  when  the  moon's  sweet  crescent  springs 

In  light  o'er  heaven's  deep  waveless  sea, 
And  stars  are  forth  like  blessed  things, 

I  think  of  thee — I  think  of  thee. 

6.  W.  PJ  entice. 

ANSWER. 

I  would  not  hush  that  constant  theme 

Of  hope  and  reverie, 
For  every  day  and  nightly  dream, 
Whose  lights  across  my  dark  brain  gleam, 

Is  filled  with  thee. 

Atlantic  Souvenir,  1832. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  61 


FLAX.  Clou  4.     Order  5.     An  extensive  genus— the 

Linum  American  aud  European  species  similar.  Flow- 

en  blue;  sometimes  yellow. 


DOMESTIC  INDUSTRY. 

Inventress  of  the  woof,  fair  Lina  flings 

The  flying  shuttle  through  the  dancing  strings, 

Inlays  the  broidered  weft  with  flowery  dyes. 

Darwin. 


SENTIMENT. 

T  is  happily  contrived  that  man  is  made 
With  tastes  and  powers  of  ever-varying  shade; 
Hence  every  one  the  other's  wants  subserves, 
And  each  her  own  peculiar  praise  deserves; 
As  well  the  housewife  'neath  the  humble  roof, 
Plying  the  wheel,  and  laboring  warp  and  woof, 
As  the  gay  charmer,  mistress  of  the  heart, 
Who  plays  in  higher  life  a  brighter  part: 
But  she  above  all  competition  towers, 
Who  adds  to  other  gifts  high  mental  powers— 
This  is  the  friend,  in  all  the  scenes  of  life, 
The  kind  companion,  and  the  loving  wife. 

E.  Lineolf 


62  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

FIR.  (BalmofGilead.)    Clau2l.  Order  16. 

Pinux   hahnmea        A  Senus  con8*1"1*  of  near  40  "pec»««. 

itw,  oau     tea.      found  ^  Europe>  Nprth  Anierica>  Bar- 

bary,  India  and  China. 
TIME. 

4nd  Fir,  from  which  the  wand  of  Time  is  framed. 

Anon, 

SENTIMENT. 


When  summer's  sunny  hues  adorn 

Sky,  forest,  hill  and  meadow, 
The  foliage  of  the  evergreen 

In  contrast  seems  a  shadow. 

But  when  the  tints  of  autumn  have 

Their  sober  reign  asserted, 
The  landscape  that  cold  shadow  shows 

Into  a  light  converted. 

Thus  thoughts  that  frown  upon  our  mirth 

Will  smile  upon  our  sorrow, 
ind  many  dark  fears  of  to-day 

May  be  bright  hopes  to-morrow. 

Pinckiuy. 


FLORA  8   INTERPRETER.  33 

FLOWER  OF  AN  HOUR.       Clan  16.    OrAxrl.    A  tropical 

ffytto.,  <riom,m.  SK£^Sitrf£: 

are  splendid. 

DELICATE  BEAUTY. 

Why  art  thou  doomed,  sweet  flower  1 
Is  it  because  thy  beauty  is  too  bright, 

Thou  hast  but  one  short  hour 
To  spread  thy  fair  leaves  to  the  enamored  light  ? 

'T  is  thus  the  loved  and  loveliest  first  decay — 

But  their  remembrance  may  not  pass  away. 

Anon. 

SENTIMENT. 

The  lily  may  die  on  thy  cheek, 

With  freshness  no  longer  adorning; 
The  rose  that  envelopes  its  whiteness  may  seek 

To  take  back  her  mantle  of  morning; 
Yet  still  will  Love's  tenderness  beam  from  thine  eye, 
And  ask  for  that  homage  no  heart  can  deny. 

Thy  dark  hair  may  blanch  where  it  bends 

Over  eyes  of  cerulean  hue, 
That  melt  with  the  softness  the  summer-noon  lends 

To  mellow  her  pathway  of  blue ; 
Yet  long  will  the  smile  that  illumines  thy  brow 
Live  on,  as  it  lives  in  thy  loveliness  now. 

Dawn. 

ANSWER. 

The  spirit  hath  a  chord  that  clings 

To  lights  that  fade  and  waste ; 
And  places  trust  in  fragile  things, 

That  should  on  God  be  placed. 

Mr*.  L.  P.  Smith. 


64  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER 

FLOWERING  REED.  (Cane.)      Clatt    I.      Order    1 

Canna  augusti folia.         J?und  b  lli°  «»u.thB™  s*tc* 

o        •/  The  canna  of  Jussieu  has  splen- 

did flowers;  grows  chirlh  within 
the  tropics. 

CONFIDENCE  IN  HEAVEN. 

First  the  tall  Canna  lifts  his  curled  brow 
Erect  to  heaven. 

Darwin. 

SENTIMENT. 

The  recollection  of  one  upward  hour 
Hath  more  in  it  to  tranquillize  and  cheer 
The  darkness  of  despondency,  than  years 
Of  gayety  and  pleasure. 

Per  deal. 

ANSWER. 

They  waken, 

Such  thoughts  as  these,  an  energy, 
A  spirit  that  will  not  be  shaken 

Till  frail  mortality  shall  die. 
They  make  man  nobler  than  his  race, 

And  give  expansion,  strength,  to  thought: 
The  tears  that  start  leave  not  a  trace, 

For  they  are  fragrant  tears,  and  fraught 
With  soothing  power;  they  heal  and  bless 

Thy  spirit  in  its  loneliness. 

Willi*. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  65 

FORGET-ME-NOT.  ?7<W?A    Order  I.     A  species  of 

Viola  cucula. 


TRUE  LOVE. 

And  faith,  that  a  thousand  ills  can  brave, 
Speaks  in  thy  blue  leaves,  'Forget-me-not.' 

Ptrcival. 

SENTIMENT. 

Where  flows  the  fountain  silently, 

It  blooms  a  lovely  flower, 
Blue  as  the  beauty  of  the  sky ; 
It  speaks  like  kind  fidelity, 

Through  fortune's  sun  and  shower, 
'  Forget-me-not. ' 

T  is  like  thy  starry  eyes,  more  bright 

Than  evening's  proudest  star; 
Like  purity's  own  halo  light, 
It  seems  to  smile  upon  thy  sight, 

And  says  to  thee  from  far — 
'  Forget-me-not.' 

Each  dew-drop  on  its  morning  leaves 

Is  eloquent  as  tears, 

That  whisper,  when  young  passion  grieves 
For  one  beloved  afar,  and  weaves 
His  dream  of  hopes  and  fears — 
'Forget-me-not.' 

HalUck. 
6« 


66  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


FOX-GLOVE.  Class  14.    Order  2.    A  native  of  Europ* 

Digitalis  Flowers    crimson    purple  ;     sometime* 

^  white  or  yellow. 


INSINCERITY. 

The  hollow  Fox-glove  nods  beneath. 

9mitk. 

SENTIMENT. 
The  Lady  to  her  Lover. 

Thon  art  fickle  as  the  sea,  thou  art  wandering  as  the  wind, 
And  the  restless,  ever-mounting  flame  is  not  more  hard  to  bind. 
If  the  tears  I  shed  were  tongues,  yet  all  too  few  would  be 
To  tell  of  all  the  treachery  that  thou  hast  shown  to  me. 
Bat  it  wearies  me,  mine  enemy,  that  I  must  weep,  and  bear 
What  fills  thy  heart  with  triumph,  and  fills  my  own  with  care. 
'T  was  the  doubt  that  thou  wert  false,  that  wrung  my  heart  with 

pain; 

But  now  I  know  thy  perfidy,  I  shall  be  well  again: 
I  would  proclaim  thee  as  thou  art,  but  every  maiden  knows 
That  she  who  chides  her  lover,  forgives  him  ere  he  goes. 

Bryant. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  67 

GERANIUM.       Clou  16.     Order  7.     A  very  extensive  ge- 
Pela«orium.       ?u"'  P'"1™!*1''?  E«"»P<M».  but  found  in  Amen, 
ica  and  Africa.     Tlio  African  species  is  uiuch 
the  must  beautiful  and  must  cultivated. 


GENTILITY. 

And  genteel  Geranium, 
With  a  leaf  for  all  who  come. 

Hunt, 


The  characteristic  of  true  gentility  is  the  talent  to 
discern  the  feelings  of  those  around  us,  and  the  tact 
to  please  each  one  by  appropriate  attentions.  As 
tin-  GeramwM  offers  so  large  a  variety  of  species  to 
gratify  every  taste,  it  is  appropriately  called  genteel. 
I  sliall  give  the  interpretations  which  have  been 
affixed  to  a  few  of  the  species:  the  authority  by 
which  these  have  been  bestowed,  must  be  in  the 
general  application  of  the  one  quoted  above. 


68  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


GERANIUM,  NUTMEG.       The  class  and  order  being  in  all 
P.    Odoratissimum.  the  •""•• repetition  i»  unneccs- 

sary.  There  are  some  differ- 
ence* which  I  shall  notice.  In 
this  species  the  pedules  are  sub- 
5-flowered;  leaves  round  and 
very  soft. 


AN  EXPECTED  MEETING. 


SENTIMENT. 


O!  now  's  the  hour,  when  air  is  sweet, 

And  birds  are  all  in  tune, 
To  seek  with  me  the  cool  retreat 

In  bright  and  merry  June; 
When  every  rose-bush  has  a  nest, 

And  every  thorn  a  flower, 
And  every  thing  on  earth  is  blest 

This  sweet  and  holy  hour. 
And  we  will  wander  far  away 

Along  the  flowery  vale, 
Where  winds  the  brook  its  sparkling  play, 

And  freshly  blows  the  gale. 

Percival. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  69 

GERANIUM,  SCARLET.         Umbels  many-flowered  ;leavw 
P.  Inquinans.  "  r<niform'     FIowen> 


CONSOLATION. 


SENTIMENT. 

Why  shouldst  thou  weep?     Around  thee  glows 

The  purple  light  of  youth, 
And  all  thy  looks  the  calm  disclose 

Of  innocence  and  truth. 
Nay,  weep  not  while  thy  sun  shines  bright, 

And  cloudless  is  thy  day,         * 
Whilst  past  and  present  joys  unite 

To  cheer  thee  on  thy  way ; 
While  fond  companions  round  thee  move, 

To  youth  and  nature  true, 
And  friends  whose  looks  of  anxious  love 

Thy  every  step  pursue. 

Common-Place  Book  of  Poetrj 

ANSWER. 

The  hue  of  death  is  cast  o'er  every  thing ; 

And  ram/i/  is  marked  on  all  I  see! 

On  all?  Oh  no!  one  blessed  sign  appears! 

If  Heaven  will  take 

A  heart  that  earth  has  crushed,  form  it  anew, 
And  light  it  from  on  high,  I  offer  mine, 
Not  without  shame  that  all  things  else  were  tried, 
Before  the  only  balm. 

H.  F.  Omdd. 


70  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

GERANIUM^  OAK.         Umbels  sub-many-flowered.     Flow- 
P.    Quem/Ottum.          empale  blue. 

TRUE  FRIENDSHIP. 


SENTIMENT. 

When  thou  art  near, 
The  sweetest  joys  still  sweeter  seem, 

The  brightest  hopes  more  bright  appear, 
And  life  is  all  one  happy  dream, 

When  thou  art  near. 

„  Robert  Swtney 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  71 


GERANIUM,  MOURNING.  Umbels  simple;  leaves  rough- 
haired,  pinnate.  Flowers  dark 
green. 

DESPONDENCE 


SENTIMENT. 

Sorrow  treads  heavily,  and  leaves  behind 
A  deep  impression,  e'en  when  she  departs: 
While  joy  trips  by  with  steps  light  as  the  wind, 
And  scarcely  leaves  a  trace  upon  our  hearts 
Of  her  faint  foot-falls:  only  this  is  sure, 
In  this  world  nought,  save  misery,  can  endure. 

Mr».  Embury. 

ANSWER. 


Lone  Minstrel  of  the  pensive  lyre, 

O'  Jet  not  grief  attune  thy  lay; 
For  sadness  blights  each  holier  fire, 

And  scatters  gloom  o'er  all  thy  way. 
Then,  Minstrel,  when  thy  heart  is  sad, 

Betake  thee  to  the  flowery  field, 
Where  beauty  walks  in  young  spring  clad, 

And  hope  and  joy  their  influence  yield. 
Then  tell  me,  is  there  nought  that  cheers 

Amid  these  pure  and  lovely  things? 
No  solace  in  this  vale  of  tears, 

From  which  some  little  comfort  springs? 

Mist  Stella  Phelp* 


72  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

GERANIUM,  ROSE.        Umbels  many-flowered,  stem  dif 
P.   Camtatum.  fT'   JFlowere  rose-scented,  and 

«  colored. 

PREFERENCE. 


SENTIMENT. 

I  have  cherished 

A  love  for  one  whose  beauty  would  have  charmed 
In  Athens.     And  I  know  what  't  is  to  love 
A  spiritual  beauty,  and  behind  the  foil 
Of  an  unblemished  loveliness,  still  find 
Charms  of  a  higher  order,  and  a  power 
Deeper  and  more  resistless.     Had  I  found 
Such  thoughts  and  feelings,  such  a  clear  deep  streaj 
Of  mind  in  one  whom  vulgar  men  had  thrown 
As  a  dull  pebble  from  them,  I  had  loved 
Not  with  a  love  less  fond,  nor  with  a  flame 
Of  less  devotion. 

Percival. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  73 

GERANIUM,  LEMON.        P™^1?  ab?nt  5-flowered,  leaves 
P.  Jicerifolium. 


TRANQUILLITY  OF  MIND. 


SENTIMENT. 

There  is  a  gentle  element,  and  man 
May  breathe  it  with  a  calm  unruffled  soul, 
And  drink  its  living  waters,  till  his  heart 
Is  pure, — and  this  is  human  happiness. 

Go  abroad 

Upon  the  paths  of  nature,  and  when  all 
Its  voices  whisper,  and  its  silent  things 
Are  breathing  the  deep  beauty  of  the  world, 
Kneel  at  its  simple  altar,  and  the  God, 
Who  hath  the  living  waters,  shall  be  there. 

PPBtfe 


74  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


GERANIUM,  IVY. 
P.  Peltatum. 


BRIDAL  FAVOR. 


SENTIMENT. 

I  saw  two  clouds  at  morning 

Tinged  with  the  rising  sun, 
And  in  the  dawn  they  floated  on, 

And  mingled  into  one: 
I  thought  that  morning  cloud  was  blest, 

It  moved  so  sweetly  to  the  west. 

I  saw  two  summer  currents 

Flow  smoothly  to  their  meeting, 
And  join  their  course  with  silent  force, 

In  peace  each  other  greeting. 
Calm  was  their  course  tlinmirti  banks  of  green, 

While  dimpling  eddies  played  between. 

Such  be  your  gentle  motion, 

Till  life's  last  pulse  shall  heat; 
Like  summer's  beam  and  summer's  stream, 

Float  on  in  joy  to  meet 
A  calmer  sea,  where  storms  shall  cease — 

A  purer  sky,  where  all  is  peace. 

Br  ainar  d. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  75 

GERANIUM,  SILVER-LEAVED.       The  beautiful  leaf  of 
P.  Argtntifolium.  2^22?°" 

RECALL, 


SENTIMENT. 

My  heart  is  with  its  early  dream; 

And  vainly  love's  soft  power 
Would  seek  to  charm  that  heart  anew 

In  some  unguarded  hour; 
I  would  not  that  the  worldly  ones 

Should  hear  my  frequent  sigh; 
The  deer  that  hears  its  death-wound,  turns 

In  loneliness  to  die. 

Mrt.  Embury. 

ANSWER. 

I  come,  I  ronic!     Why  should  I  rove 

A  dreary  world  like  this, 
When  a  voice  !>clo\od  recalls  me  back, 

To  share  life's  all  of  bliss? 
I  come,  I  come!  like  the  weary  bird, 

At  eve  to  its  sheltered  nest; 
Like  the  pilgrim  from  afar,  I  come 

To  a  blessed  shrine  of  rest. 


76  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

GTLLY-FLOWER.  c/«*«i5.    Or//«  2.   Fonnd  in 

incunus.  'Ilf'     '_..  ™r  A.-..' 


Flowers  bright  red,  purple,  01 
white. 


SHE  IS  FAIR. 

Fair  as  the  Gilly-flower  of  garden's  sweet. 

Gay. 

SENTIMENT. 

Why  was  the  sense  of  beauty  lent  to  man, — 
The  feeling  of  fine  forms,  the  taste  of  soul, 
That  speaks  from  eye  and  lip,  and  thus  will  fan 
Love  in  the  young  beholder? 

Pereivol. 

ANSWER. 

Oh!  it  is  worse  than  mockery 

To  list  tlie  flatterer's  tone, 
To  lend  a  ready  ear  to  thoughts 

The  cheek  must  blush  to  own — 
To  hear  the  red  lip  whispered  of, 

And  the  flowing  curl  and  eye 
Made  constant  themes  of  eulogy, 

Extravagant  and  high, — 
And  the  charm  of  person  worshipped, 

In  a  homage  offered  not 
To  the  perfect  charm  of  virtue, 

And  the  majesty  of  thought 

/.  O.  Whittitr 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  77 

GOLDEN  ROD.  Clau\9.    Order  2.    The  Solidago 

F^TuTtdl  tue°StLtLr 
ENCOURAGEMENT. 

The  Golden  Rod,  that  blossoms  in  the  wild, 
Whispers  a  tale  of  Hope  to  Fancy's  child. 

Anon. 

SENTIMEiNT. 

We  met,  and  we  drank  from  the  crystalline  well, 
That  flows  from  the  fountains  of  science  above; 
On  the  beauties  of  thought  we  would  silently  dwell, 
Till    e  looked — though  we  never  were  talking  of  love 

Percival. 

ANSWER. 

1  could  not  bid  those  visions  spring 

Less  frequently; 

For  each  wild  phantom  which  they  bring, 
Moving  along  on  fancy's  wing, 

But  pictures  thee. 

Atlantic  Souvenir,  18S2 


78  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

GRAPE,  WILD.          Class  5.     Order).     North  America  has 

Vitis,  vinifera.        ma">'  8pocics  of  ,wiltl  srapc , ,l,hou*h  the 

'          •/  vinifera  is  not  indigenous.     Flowers  nu- 

merous,  small,  green  and  fragrant. 

MIRTH. 

Let  dimpled  Mirth  his  temples  twine 
With  tendrils  of  the  laughing  Vine. 

Scott. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  heard  the  gushirg  of  thy  voice, 

Thy  laugh  of  happy  mirth — 
A  bright  fount  in  a  pleasant  place, 

To  cheer  the  shaded  earth. 
I  caught  the  glancing  of  thine  eye, 

Its  gleam  of  young  delight — 
A  sunbeam  on  a  dewy  bank, 

Each  floweret's  eye  to  light. 
And  all  the  poet's  spoil  can  give 

Is  in  this  simple  prayer, 
That  no  chill  wind  of  sen-row  come 

To  ice  the  fountain  there. 
That  no  dark  cloud  of  grief  may  rise 

The  pleasant  glance  to  shade; 
But  that  pure  stream  of  joy  gusli  on, 

That  sun-gleam  never  fade. 

Miller. 


FLORA  3    INTERPRETER  -  79 


(jRASS.  Class  3.     Orrfer  2.     There  are  more  tl  an  300 

Grumina.  8P'!CM;s  °f  (lf ••<<*'!>.  They  constitute,  uo-onliug 
to  I.iima-us  .-ili.sut  a  sixth  part  of  all  the  vegeta- 
bles on  the  globe. 

SUBMISSION. 

Grass,  according  to  Herodotus,  was  the  symbol  of 
submission,  because  the  ancient  nations  of  the  West, 
to   sliow  that  they  confessed  themselves  overcome, 
gathered  grass,  and  presented  it  to  the  conqueror. 
(See  note  to  Book  4,  Melpomene.) 

SENTIMENT. 

O,  when  affliction's  friendly  screen 
Shuts  out  life's  vain  illusive  scene — 
When  thus  she  seals  our  weary  eyes 
To  all  its  glittering  vanities, 
A  gleam  of  heavenly  light  will  pour 
Our  dark  despairing  spirits  o'er, 
And  Faith,  with  mirk,  submissive  eye, 
Far  glancing  through  eternity, 

s  where  the  heavenly  mansions  rise, 
Of  her  bright  home  beyond  the  skies; 
Whose  golden  fanes  sublimely  tower 
High  o'er  the  clouds  that  round  us  lower. 
Then  welcome  sorrow's  shrouding  shade; 
Fade — scenes  of  earthly  splendor,  fade! 
And  leave  me  to  the  dawning  ray, 
Which  brightens  till  the  'perfect  day.' 

American  Ladiet'  Magazine,  Vol.  I 


80  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

HAREBELL.  Clan  6.     Order  1.     Found 

Campanula,  rotundifoKa.     Jft  ft  £ffl  Y£ 

en  blue  and  nodding. 
GRIEF. 

The  Harebell — as  if  with  grief  depressed, 
Bowing  her  fragrance. 

Gitborne. 

SENTIMENT. 

Yet  thou,  didst  thou  but  know  my  fate, 

Wouldst  melt,  my  tears  to  see; 
And  I,  methinks,  would  weep  the  less, 

Wouldst  thou  but  weep  with  me. 

Percival. 

ANSWER. 

Alas,  for  earthly  joy,  and  hope,  and  love, 

Thus  stricken  down,  e'en  in  their  holiest  hour! 

What  deep,  heart-wringing  anguish  must  they  prove, 
Who  live  to  weep  the  blasted  tree  or  flower. 

Oh,  wo,  deep  wo  to  earthly  love's  fond  trust, 
When  all  it  once  has  worshipped  lies  in  dust! 

Mr*.  Embury. 


FLORA'S    INTERPRETER.  81 


HAWTHORN.  C/o*»12.     Or,ler2.     Principally  a  North 

American  genus,    but   found    in    Europe, 
the  Levant,  and  India.     Flowers  scarlet. 


. 

And  Hawthorn's  early  blooms  appear, 
Like  youthful  hope  upon  life's  year. 

D 


SENTIMENT. 

Gay  was  the  love  of  paradise  he  drew 

And  pictured  in  his  fancy;  he  did  dwell 

Upon  it  till  it  had  a  life;  he  threw 

A  tint  of  heaven  athwart  it  —  who  can  tell 

The  yearnings  of  his  heart,  the  charm,  the  spell, 

That  bound  him  to  that  vision? 

PtreivaL 

ANSWER. 

Hidden,  and  deep,  and  never  dry,  — 

Or  flowing,  or  at  rest, 
A  living  spring  of  hope  doth  lie 

In  every  human  breast. 
All  else  may  fail  that  soothes  the  heart,—- 

All,  save  that  fount  alone; 
With  that  and  life  at  once  we  part, 

For  life  and  hope  are  one. 

Mrt. 


82  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

HEART'S  EASE.  Class  5.  Order  1.  The  genns  Viola 

Vinln  trirnlnr  a  almost  equally  divided  between 

yiOla,  tricolor.  Europe  and  North  America.  Flower* 

blue,  purple,  white,  and  every  variety 

of  color. 

LOVE  IN  IDLENESS. 

This  flower  (as  Nature's  poet  sweetly  sings) 

Was  once  milk-white,  and  Heart's  Ease  was  its  name, 

Till  wanton  Cupid  poised  his  roseate  wings, 

A  vestal's  sacred  bosom  to  inflame. 

Heart's  Ease  no  more  the  wandering  shepherd  found; 

No  more  the  Nymphs  its  snowy  form  possess; 

Its  white  now  changed  to  purple  by  Love's  wound— 

Heart's  Ease  no  more,  't  is  '  Love  in  Idleness.' 

Mrs.  R.  B.  Sheridan. 

SENTIMENT. 

As  we  look  back  through  life  in  our  moments  of  madness, 
How  few,  and  how  brief  are  its  gloamings  of  gladness; 
Yet  we  find,  midst  the  gleam  that  our  pathway  o'er- 

shaded, 

A  few  spots  of  sunshine, — a  few  flowers  unfaded: — 
And  memory  still  hoards,  as  her  richest  of  treasures, 
Some  moments  of  rapture, — some  exquisite  pleasures. 
One  hour  of  such  bliss  is  a  life  ere  it  closes, 
T  is  one  drop  of  fragrance  from  thousands  of  roses. 

Wetmore. 
ANSWER. 

They  tell  me  the  vision  of  bliss  that  is  glinting, 
My  heart's  star  of  promise  in  gloom  will  decline, 

And  the  fair  scene  that  Fancy,  the  fairy,  is  tinting, 
Will  lose  all  its  sunny  glow  ere  it  is  mine. 

O,  if  Love  and  Life  be  but  a  fairy  illusion, 

And  the  cold  future  bright  but  in  Fancy 's  young  eye, 

Still,  let  me  live  in  the  dreamy  delusion, 

And,  true  and  unchanging,  hope  on  till  I  die. 

Mrt.  Osgood 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


HELIOTROPE.  (Tumsol.)     Class  6.     Order  1.    Thia 

Heliotrovium  «enu8   b  P"00'^11/  found  in  South 

troj««  America,  a  few  in  the  south  of  Europe, 

and  in  India.     Flowers  white,  or  faint 
purple  color.     Turns  towards  the  sun. 


DEVOTION. 

Still  the  loved  object  the  fond  leaves  pursue ; 
Still  move  their  root  the  morning  sun  to  view; 
And  in  the  Heliotrope  the  Nymph  is  true. 

Eusden't  Ovid. 

SENTIMENT. 

When  other  friends  are  round  thee, 

And  other  hearts  are  thine; 
When  other  bays  have  crowned  thee, 

More  fresh  and  green  than  mine; — 
Then  think  how  sad  and  lonely 

This  wretched  heart  will  be; 
Which,  while  it  beats — beats  only, 

Beloved  one!  for  thee. 

Yet  do  not  think  I  doubt  thee; 

I  know  thy  truth  remains; 
I  would  not  live  without  thee, 

For  all  the  world  contains. 
Thou  art  the  star  that  guides  me 

Along  life's  troubled  sea; — 
Whatever  fate  betides  me, 

This  heart  still  turns  to  thee. 

G.  P.  Morn*. 


84  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

HELLEBORE.  C/««1S.    OnlerlS.   Found  in  the 

America.     Flowers  greenish. 

CALUBIKY. 

By  the  witches'  tower, 

Where  Hellebore  and  Hemlock  seem  to  weave 
Round  its  dark  vaults  a  melancholy  bower. 

Campbell. 

SENTIMENT. 

Curse  the  tongue 

Whence  slanderous  rumor,  like  the  adder's  drop, 
Distils  her  venom,  withering  friendship's  faith, 
Turning  love's  favor. 

Htilhoute. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  85 


HOLLY.  Class  4.     Order  4.    A  beautiful  everjjreen  tree, 

f/-_  found  in  Europe,  Japan,  America,  etc.     It   lias 

eliinum,  prickly  loaves  near  the  gruuml;  Hiuooth 

higli  ones;    white  flowers,  und  berries  scarlet 

color. 


DOMESTIC  HAPPINESS. 

Gentle  at  home,  amid  my  friends,  1  'd  be, 
Like  the  high  leaves  upon  the  Holly  tree. 

Southey. 

SENTIMENT. 

Oh!  could  I  one  dear  being  find, 
And  were  her  fate  to  mine  but  joined 

By  Hymen's  silken  tie, 
To  her  myself,  my  all  I  'd  give, 
For  her  alone  delighted  live, 

For  her  consent  to  die. 
Should  gathering  clouds  our  sky  deform, 
My  arms  should  shield  her  from  the  storm; 

And  were  its  fury  hurled, 
My  bosom  to  its  bolts  I  'd  bare, 
In  her  defence  undaunted  dare 

Defy  the  opposing  world. 
Together  should  our  prayers  ascend, 
Together  humbly  would  we  bend, 

To  praise  the  Almighty's  name; 
And  when  I  saw  her  kindling  eye 
Beam  upward  to  her  native  sky, 

My  soul  should  catch  the  flame. 
Thus  nothing  should  our  hearts  divide, 
But  on  our  years  serenely  glide, 

And  all  to  love  be  given; 
And,  when  life's  little  scene  was  o'er, 
We  'd  part,  to  meet  and  part  no  more, 

But  live  and  love  in  heaven. 

Frubit 
8 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


HOLLY-HOCK.  Clastie.    Order  13.   A  native  of  China, 

Jllren     rn<n>n  Africa,   Madras,  and  Siberia.     Flowers 

'ea">  TC  a  variety  of  colors;  single   and  double 

.  flowers 


AMBITION. 

Aspiring  Alcea  emulates  the  rose. 

Evant. 

SENTIMENT. 

Would  I  were  in  some  lonely  desert  born, 

And  'neath  the  sordid  roof  my  being  drew; 
Were  nursed  by  poverty  the  most  forlorn, 

And  ne'er  one  ray  of  hope  or  pleasure  knew; 
Then  had  my  soul  been  never  taught  to  rise, 

Then  had  I  never  dreamed  of  power  or  fame; 
No  pictured  scene  of  bliss  deceived  my  eyes, 

Nor  glory  lighted  in  my  breast  its  flame. 

Percival. 

ANSWER. 

Yet,  press  on! 

For  it  shall  make  you  mighty  among  men; 
And  from  the  eyrie  of  your  eagle  thought, 
Ye  shall  look  down  on  monarchs.     Oh!  press  on! 
For  the  high  ones  and  powerful  shall  come 
To  do  you  reverence;  and  the  beautiful 
Will  know  the  purer  language  of  your  soul, 
And  read  it  like  a  talisman  of  love. 
Press  on!  for  it  is  godlike  to  unloose 
The  spirit,  and  forget  yourself  in  thought; 
Bending  a  pinion  for  the  deeper  sky, 
And,  in  the  very  fetters  of  your  flesh, 
Mating  with  the  pure  essences  of  heaven. 
Press  on!  for  in  the  grave  there  is  no  work, 
And  no  device. — Press  on!  while  yet  ye  may. 

WUlu 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  87 

HONESTY.  (Satin  Flower.)    Clou  15.     Order  1. 


whitish. 

FASCINATION. 

Enchanting  Lunaria  here  lies, 
In  sorceries  excelling. 

Drayton. 

SENTIMENT. 

She  's  beautiful! — Her  raven  curls 
Have  broken  hearts  in  envious  girls; — 
And  then  they  sleep  in  contrast  so, 
Like  raven  feathers  upon  snow, 
And  bathe  her  neck — and  shade  the  bright 
Dark  eye  from  which  they  catch  the  light, 
As  if  their  graceful  loops  were  made 
To  keep  that  glorious  eye  in  shade, 
And  holier  make  its  tranquil  spell, 
Like  waters  in  a  shaded  well. 
She  's  noble — noble,  one  to  keep 
Embalmed  for  dreams  of  fevered  sleep. 
An  eye  for  nature — taste  refined, 
Perception  swift — and  balanced  mind, — 
And,  more  than  all,  a  gift  of  thought 
To  such  a  spirit  fineness  wrought, 
That  on  my  ear  her  language  fell 
As  if  each  word  dissolved  a  spell. 

Wtilu. 


88  FLORA  S    INTERPRETER. 


HONEY  FLOWER.  Class  14.    Order  1.    Indigenous  to 

I //>/;/!» //.no  t"0    Cape  of   Good    Hope.     Only 

Mehanthus.  ^ 


pink,  and  chocolate.     Nectarioua. 
MY  LOVE  IS  SWEET  AND  SECRET. 

Mdianihus  with  its  nectar  store, 

Hoarded  for  those  who  shall  deserve  the  dower. 

Anon. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  found  thee  yet  a  modest  dower, 

An  infant  of  the  spring, 
Unheeded  in  the  rosy  crowd 

Of  beauty,  blossoming. 
And  little  didst  thou  think  how  cleai 

Thy  spirit  round  me  shone, 
To  light  the  inward  joy  of  hope 

My  tongue  could  never  own. 


ANSWER. 

But  they  say  that  the  garland  affection  is  wreathing 

Will  fade  ere  the  morrow  has  wakened  its  bloom ; 

They  say  the  wild  blossoms  where  young  Hope  is  breathing, 

Their  beauty,  their  fragrance,  is  all  for  the  tomb. 

Mrt.  Otgood. 


FLORA  S   INTERPRETER.  89 

HONEYSUCKLE,  CORAL.         c/asss.  Order  i.  Found 

Lonicera,  sempervirens.  in/uroft  a{£  'h°  ^ 

Indies.  The  Wild  Honey- 
Buckle  is  a  splendid  North 
American  genus.  Flow- 
ers white,  red,  scarlet  and 
yellow. 

FIDELITY. 

The  Honeysuckle  flower  I  give  to  thee, 
And  love  it  for  my  sake,  my  own  Cyane  ; 
It  hangs  upon  the  stem  it  loves,  as  thou 
Hast  clung  to  me  in  every  joy  and  sorrow. 

Cornwall. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  loved  thee — not  because  thy  brow 
Was  bright  and  beautiful  as  day, 
Nor  that  on  thy  sweet  lip  the  glow 
Was  joyous  as  yon  sunny  ray. 
No  :  though  I  saw  thee  fairest  far, 
The  sun  that  hid  each  meaner  star, 
Yet  't  was  not  this  that  taught  me  first 
The  love  that  silent  tears  have  nursed. 
And  now  could  ever  beauty  wane, 
Till  not  one  noble  trace  remain  ; 
Could  genius  sink  in  dull  decay, 
And  wisdom  cease  to  lend  her  ray  : 
Should  all  that  I  have  worshipped,  change, 
Even  this  could  not  my  heart  estrange  ; 
Thou  still  wouldst  be  the  first,  the  first 
That  taught  the  love  sad  tears  have  nursed. 

Mn.  Embury. 
8* 


90  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

HONEYSUCKLE,  WILD.         clou  5.    Order  i.    This 
Azaka*  procumbent.  «Pec;esj  80  mud!  "tcc"»->d 

7  •  for  the  beauty  and  fragrance 

of  its  flower,  exists  ch'u.-Ily 
in  North  America.  Mowers 
yellow,  red,  and  scarlet. 

INCONSTANCY. 

Inconstant  Honeysuckle,  wherefore  rove 
With  gadding  stem  about  my  bower? 

Carew. 

SENTIMENT. 

My  love  was  centred  all  in  thee; 

With  thought  of  thee  my  every  hope  was  blended ; 
But,  as  the  shadows  flit  along  the  sea, 

My  dreams  have  vanished,  and  my  vision  ended : 
And  when  thy  lover  leads  thee  to  the  altar, 
My  cheek  shall  never  blanch,  nor  my  voice  falter. 

Earewell!  my  lip  may  wear  a  careless  smile — 
My  words  may  breathe  the  very  soul  of  lightness; 

But  the  touched  heart  must  deeply  feel  the  while, 
That  life  has  lost  a  portion  of  its  brightness: 

And  woman's  love  shall  never  be  a  chain 

To  bind  me  to  its  nothingness  again. 

Sargent. 

ANSWER. 

Life  hath  as  many  farewells, 

As  it  hath  sunny  hours; 
And  over  some  are  scattered  thorns, 

And  over  others,  flowers. 

Mrt.  L.  P.  Smith. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  91 


HoUSTONlA.  (American  Daisy.)      Class  4.      Order  1. 

Iloustonia.  ^T"1  cl""'r   "'  tho,  Unilei, Sui(;9'    ^ 

dolicate  and  pretty  plant.  Flowers  pale 
blue,  (irows  on  a  nuked,  sli-ndcr  foot- 
stalk, only  u  tew  inches  in  height. 

CONTENT. 

Sweet  flower,  thou  tellest  how  hearts 
As  pure  and  tender  as  thy  leaf — as  low 
And  humble  as  thy  stein,  will  surely  know 
The  joy  that  peace  imparts. 

Ptrcival 

SENTIMENT. 

Blest  are  the  pure  and  simple  hearts, 

Unconsciously  refined, 
By  the  free  gifts  that  Heaven  imparts 

Through  nature  to  the  mind; 
Not  all  the  pleasures  wealth  can  buy 
Equal  their  happy  destiny. 

For  them  the  spring  unfolds  her  flowers, 

For  them  the  summer  glows; 
And  autumn's  gold  and  purple  bowers, 

.And  winter's  stainless  snows 
Come  gifted  with  a  charm  to  them, 
Richer  than  monarch's  diadem. 

Mrt.  Wtllt. 

ANSWER. 

Happy  the  life,  that  in  a  peaceful  stream, 
Obscure,  unnoticed  through  the  vale  has  flowed; 
The  heart  that  ne'er  was  charmed  by  fortune's  gleam 
Is  ever  sweet  contentment's  blest  abode. 

PercivaL 


92  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER 

HYACINTH,  BLUE.         Class  6.     Order  1.     An  European 
Hyacinth^.  f  nus>  J«  cultivated  in  our  gar 

*  dens.     Flowers  bell-form. 

CONSTANCY. 

The  Hyacinth's  for  constancy, 
Wi'  its  unchanging  blue. 

Burnt. 

SENTIMENT. 

• 

Woman  !  blest  partner  of  our  joys  and  woes  ! 
Even  in  the  darkest  hour  of  earthly  ill, 
Untarnished  yet  thy  fond  affection  glows, 
Throbs  with  each  pulse,  and  beats  with  every  thrill ! 
Bright  o'er  the  wasted  scene  thou  hoverest  still, 
Angel  of  comfort  to  the  failing  soul  ; 
Undaunted  by  the  tempest,  wild  and  chill, 
That  pours  its  restless  and  disastrous  roll 
O'er  all  that  blooms  below,  with  sad  and  hollow  howl 

When  sorrow  rends  the  heart,  when  feverish  pain 
Wrings  the  hot  drops  of  anguish  from  the  brow, 
To  soothe  the  soul,  to  cool  tbe  burning  brain, 
O  !  who  so  welcome  and  so  prompt  as  thou  ? 
The  battle's  hurried  scene  and  angry  glow, — 
The  death-encircled  pillow  of  distress, — 
The  lonely  moments  of  secluded  wo — 
Alike  thy  care  and  constancy  confess, 
Alike  thy  pitying  hand,  and  fearless  friendship  bleaa. 

Yamoyden. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  93 

HYACINTH,  PURPLE.  Clan  6.    Order  1.    Corolan- 


SORROW. 

A  Hyacinth  lifted  its  purple  bell 

From  the  slender  leaves  around  it  ; 

It  curved  its  cup  in  a  flowing  swell, 

And  a  starry  circle  crowned  it  ; 

The  deep  blue  tincture  that  robed  it  seemed 

The  gloomiest  garb  of  sorrow, 

As  if  on  its  eye  no  brightness  beamed, 

And  it  never  in  clearer  moments  dreamed 

Of  a  fair  and  calm  to-morrow. 

Percival. 


SENTIMENT 

When  the  cold  breath  of  sorrow  is  sweeping 

O'er  the  chords  of  the  youthful  heart, 
And  the  earnest  eye,  dimmed  with  strange  weeping, 

Sees  the  visions  of  fancy  depart; 
When  the  bloom  of  young  feeling  is  dying, 

And  the  heart  throbs  with  passion's  fierce  strife, 
When  our  sad  days  are  wasted  in  sighing, 

Who  then  can  find  sweetness  in  life? 

Mrs.  Embury. 

ANSWER. 

That  heart,  methinks, 

Were  of  strange  mould,  which  kept  no  cherished  print 
Of  earlier,  happier  times,  when  life  was  fresh, 
And  love  and  innocence  made  holyday: 
Or,  that  owned 

No  transient  sadness,  when  a  dream,  a  glimpse 
Of  fancy  touched  past  joys. 

Hillhouu. 


94  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


HYDRANGEA.  Class  10.     Order  2.     An  Ameri- 

Hydrangea,  hortensis.    ™  JS^^SS!^^ 

in  India.  Flowers  rose  color — 
sometimes  blue.  It  has  many 
abortive  flowers. 

HEARTLESSNESS. 

If  thou  canst  search  Hydrangea's  flowers, 

And  note  which  first  decay, 
Then  mayst  thou  judge  the  hollow  smiles 

That  flatter  to  betray. 

4fton. 

SENTIMENT. 

Maiden  go!  .if  thou  hast  lost 
All  that  made  thee  once  so  dear, 
Let  not  now  our  parting  cost 
Thee  a  sigh,  or  me  a  tear: 
Go  with  Fashion's  heartless  train; — 
Go  where  Wealth  and  pleasure  wait; — 
Seek  them  all,  nor  seek  in  vain; — 
Go,  and  leave  me  to  my  fate. 

Maiden  go! — a  saddened  brow 
Haply  serves  but  to  conceal: 
Tears,  methinks,  are  idle  now, — 
Waste  them  not,  unless  you  feel 
If  your  bosom  is  too  cold 
Still  to  prize  a  loyal  heart, — 
If  you  value  sullen  gold 
More  than  love,  't  is  best  we  part: 
Go! — and  vhen  your  heart  has  learned 
How  love  flies  the  courtly  door, 
Learn  that  true  affections  spurned, 
Droop  to  death,  and  bloom  no  more 

J\~etc  England  Magazine,   Vol.  IL 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  95 

ICE  PLANT.  Clan  12-     Order  5.     An  En- 

.toem6n,an(iemum,         ^"S^.^ 

crystallinwn.  color. 

AN  OLD  BEAU. 

With  pellucid  studs  the  Ice-Flower  gems 
His  rimy  foliage,  and  his  candied  stems. 

Darwin. 

SENTIMENT. 

Last  days  of  my  youth!  ye  are  come,  ye  are  come, 
And  the  tints  of  life's  morning  will  soon  fade  away; 
I  once  vainly  fancied  my  cheek's  purple  bloom, 
Immortal  as  angels,  would  never  decay; 
Nor  can  I  believe  the  cold  words  of  my  tonguo, 
When  it  falters  that  I  am  no  more  to  be  young. 

No  wonder!  for  who  could  unmoved  bid  adieu 
To  love's  kindling  raptures  warm  youth  only  knows; 
And,  on  the  world's  dim  awful  threshold  to  view 
The  opening  scenes  of  his  joys  or  his  woes, 
Who  gazes — nor  sighs,  with  a  heart  deeply  wrung — 
Why  can  we  not  always  be  blooming  and  young? 

/.  H.  AicAo/i. 

ANSWER. 

Yes,  the  summer  of  life  passes  swiftly  away, 
Soon  the  winter  of  age  sheds  its  snow  on  the  heart; 
But  the  warm  sun  of  friendship  that  gilded  youth's  day 
Shall  still  through  the  dark  clouds  a  soft  ray  impart 
(Atlantic  Sinitenir.)     Alhton  Gibbs. 


96  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


IRIS.  (Flower  de  Luce.)    Order  3.    Clatt  1. 

Iris    cristdtd.  Found  in  Africa,  Asia,  Europe,  and  North 

America.     Flowers  of  various  colors. 


MY  COMPLIMENTS. 

The  various  Iris  Juno  sends  with  haste. 

Ovid. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  send  this  flower  to  one  made  up 

Of  loveliness  alone; 
A  woman  of  her  gentle  sex 

The  seeming  paragon; 
To  whom  the  better  elements 

And  kindly  stars  have  given 
A  form  so  fair,  that,  like  the  air, 

T  is  less  of  earth  than  heaven. 

Affections  are  as  thoughts  to  her, 

The  measure  of  her  hours; 
Her  feelings  have  the  fragrancy, 

The  freshness  of  young  flowers. — 
O  would  that  on  the  earth  there  moved 

Others  of  such  a  frame, 
That  life  might  be  all  poetry, 

And  weariness  a  name. 

E.  C.  Pinckney, 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  97 


IVY.  Class  5.     Order  1.     The  Ivy  is  found  in  all 

Hedera  countries,  but  the  Hedera  helix  is  the  common 

European  Ivy.     Flowers  green;  berries  globular 

and  black. 


WEDDED  LOVE. 

Yes,  woman's  love  's  a  holy  light, 
And  when  't  is  kindled,  ne'er  can  die; 
It  lives,  though  treachery  and  slight 
To  quench  its  constancy  may  try; 
Like  Ivy,  where  to  cling  't  is  seen, 
It  wears  an  everlasting  green. 

Anon. 


SENTIMENT. 

The  Ivy  round  some  lofty  pile 

Its  twining  tendril  flings; 
Though  fled  from  thence  be  pleasure's  smile, 

It  yet  the  fonder  clings; 
As  lonelier  still  becomes  the  place, 
The  warmer  is  its  fond  embrace, 

More  firm  its  verdant  rings; 
As  if  it  loved  its  shade  to  rear 
O'er  one  devoted  to  despair. 

Thus  shall  my  bosom  cling  to  thine, 

Unchanged  by  gliding  years; 
Through  Fortune's  rise,  or  her  decline, 

In  sunshine,  or  in  tears; 
And  though  between  us  oceans  roll, 
And  rocks  divide  us,  still  my  soul 

Shall  feel  no  jealous  fears: 
Confiding  in  a  heart  like  thine, 
Love's  uncontaminated  shrine. 

Anon.     (Albany  Advertiser.) 


FLORA  8    INTERPRETER 


JASMINE.  WHITE.  Class  2.     Order  1.     Native  of 

**- 


AMIABILITY. 

From  plants  that  wake  while  others  sleep, 
From  timid  Jasmine  buds  that  keep 
Their  odors  to  themselves  all  day, 
But  when  the  sunlight  dies  away, 
Let  their  delicious  secret  out. 

Moore. 

SENTIMENT. 

She  . 

Attracts  me  with  her  gentle  virtues,  soft 
And  beautiful,  and  heavenly. 

Hillhoute. 

ANSWER. 

Thus,  on  the  very  homeliest  face 
Can  Fancy  shed  her  beauteous  hue, 
And  in  a  tame  expression  trace 
A  smile  as  soft  as  heaven's  own  blue. 

P.  Bcnjtuni*. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  99 


JASMINE,  YELLOW.  Class  14.     Order  2.     Found 

sempervirens.     j"  lho  ,K;ist.  :uld  lV('f  1lul"'s- 

The  plant  is  a  shrub  or  tree, 
very  beautiful.  Flowers  l;irg.:, 
various  colors,  red,  blue,  yel- 
low. 


GRACE  AND  ELEGANCE. 

Jasmines,  some  like  silver  spray, 
Some  like  gold  in  the  morning  ray, 
Fragrant  stars  and  favorites  they. 

Indian  Bride. 

SENTIMENT. 

She  was  not  very  beautiful,  if  it  be  beauty's  test 
To  match  a  classic  model  when  perfectly  at  rest; 
And  she  did  not  look  bewitchingly,  if  witchery  it  be 
To  have  a  forehead  and  a  lip  transparent  as  the  sea. 

The  fashion  of  her  gracefulness  was  not  a  followed  rule, 
And  her  effervescent  sprighiliness  was  never  learnt  at  school; 
And  her  words  were  all  peculiar,  like  the  fairies  who  spoke  pearls, 
And  her  tone  was  ever  sweetest  midst  the  cadences  of  girls. 

Said  I  she  was  not  beautiful  ?     Her  eyes  upon  yonr  sight 
Broke  with  the  lambent  purity  of  planetary  light  ; 
And  on  intellectual  beauty,  like  a  light  within  a  vase, 
Touched  every  line  with  glory  of  her  animated  face. 

Willi*. 


100  FLORA'S  INTERPRETED 


JONQUIL.  Class  16.    Order  I.    A  native  of 

Atofcn.,  Jonguilla.      ^  J«  ,^3*  1»- 

ers,  emitting  a  mild  and  powerful 
perfume. 

I  DESIRE  A  RETURN  OF  AFFECTION 

Sweet  as  perfume  from  Jonquil  flower, 
That  breathes  in  twilight  grove, 

Comes  the  remembrance  of  the  hour 
When  Anna  owned  her  love. 

Awn. 


SENTIMENT. 

O!  wilt  thou  go  with  me,  love, 

And  seek  the  lonely  glen? 
O!  wilt  thou  leave  for  me,  love, 

The  smiles  of  other  men? 
The  birds  are  there,  aye  singing, 

The  woods  an;  full  of  glee, 
And  love  shall  there  be  flinging 

His  roses  over  thee. 
And  wilt  thou  go  with  me,  dear, 

And  share  my  humble  lot? 
And  wilt  thou  live  with  me,  dear, 

Within  a  lowly  cot  ? 

Ptrdval. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  101 


KlNG-CUP.  (Butter-cup  or  Crow-cup.)    C7a«3.    Order 

Ranunculus.  13'  An  extl'"sive  genus>  of  near  90  8Pe- 
cics,  principally  European,  but  extending 
into  LJarbary  uud  Siberia;  tlowers  yulluw. 

I  WISH  I  WAS  RICH. 

Bright  flowing  King-cups  promise  future  wealth, 
And  fairies,  now  no  doubt  unseen, 

In  silent  revels  sup; 
With  dew-drop  bumpers  toast  their  queen, 

From  croio-Jloioers'  golden  cup. 

Clare. 

SENTIMENT. 


O,  knew  I  the  spell  of  gold, 


I  would  never  poison  a  fresh  young  heart 

With  the  taint  of  customs  old. 
I  would  hind  no  wreath  to  inv  forehead  free, 

In  whose  shadow  a  thought  might  die, 
Nor  dfink,  from  the  cup  01  revelry, 

The  ruin  my  gold  would  buy. 
But  I  'd  break  the  fetters  of  care-worn  things, 

And  be  spirit  and  fancy  free; 
My  mind  should  go  up  where  it  longs  to  go, 

And  tne  limitless  wind  outflee. 
I  M  climb  to  the  eyries  of  eagle  men, 

Till  the  stars  became  a  scroll, 
And  pour  right  on,  like  the  even  sen, 

In  the  strength  of  a  governed  soul. 

Willit. 
ANSWER. 

I  would  never  kneel  at  a  gilded  shrine 

To  worship  the  idol  gold: 
I  would  never  fetter  this  heart  of  mine 

As  a  thing  for  fortune  sold. 
But  I  'd  how  to  the  light  that  God  has  given, 

The  nobler  light  of  mind; 
The  only  light,  save  that  of  Heaven, 

That  should  free-will  homage  find. 

9*  Mrt.  L,  P.  Smitk. 


102  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


LABURNUM.  Clastn.    Order  4.   A  genus  ofabont  12 

CvtlSUS  species;  six  of  which  belong  to  America. 

"  Flowers  purplish  or  yellow. 


PENSIVE  BEAUTY. 

When  the  dark-leaved  Laburnum's  drooping  cluster 
Reflects  athwart  the  stream  their  yellow  lustre, — 
Like  pensive  beaut/  at  her  sweet  devotions. 


SENTIMENT. 

Thy  mild  looks  are  all  eloquent, 

Thy  bright  ones  free  and  glad, 
Like  glances  from  a  pleiad  sent, 

Thy  sad  ones  sweetly  sad; 
And  when  a  tear  is  in  thine  eye, 

To  witch  with  sorrow's  spell, 
O,  none  may  pass  thee  idly  by, 

My  own  sweet  Rosabelle. 

Bright  dreams  attend  thee,  gentle  one, 

The  brightest  and  the  best ; 
For  sorrows  scarce  can  fall  upon 

A  maid  so  purely  blest. 
And  when  death's  shadows  round  thee  swell, 

And  dim  thy  starry  eyes, 
O,  mayst  thou  be,  my  Rosabelle, 

A  spirit  of  the  skies 

Robert  Morris. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  109 

LADY'S  SLIPPER.         Clan  20.     Order  2.     A  very  small 
Cypripedium  8<!nus;   6  8Pccics   found  'm  North 

^W  i?™  America;  3  in  Siberia;  one  in  Japan, 

and  one  in  Europe.     Flowers  pur- 
plish, pink,  yellow,  etc. 

CAPRICIOUS  BEAUTY. 

The  Cypripedium  with  her  changeful  hues, 
As  she  were  doubtful  which  array  to  choose. 

Jlnon. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  love  not  thee, — I  would  sooner  bind 

My  thoughts  to  the  open  sky: 
I  would  worship  as  soon  a  familiar  star, 

That  is  bright  to  every  eye. 
T  were  to  love  the  wind  that  is  sweet  to  all — 

The  wave  of  the  beautiful  sea — 
T  were  to  hope  for  all  the  light  in  heaven, 

To  hope  for  the  love  of  thee. 

WiUu. 

ANSWER. 

I  'm  weary  of  the  crowded  ball:  I  'm  weary  of  the  mirth, 
Which  never  lifts  itself  above  the  grosser  things  of  earth. 
I  'm  weary  of  the  flatterer's  tone;  its  music  is  no  more, 
And  eye  and  lip  may  answer  not  its  meaning  as  before: 
I  'm  weary  of  the  heartless  throng,  of  being  deemed  aa  one 
Whose  spirit  kindles  only  in  the  blaze  of  fashion's  sun. 

I  speak  in  very  bitterness,  for  I  have  deeply  felt 
The  mockery  of  the  hollow  shrine  at  which  my  spirit  knelt 
Mine  is  the  requiem  of  years  in  reckless  folly  passed, 
The  wail  above  departed  hopes  on  a  frail  venture  cast; 
The  vain  regret  that  steals  above  the  wreck  of  squandered  hours 
I-ike  the  sighing  of  the  autumn  wind  over  the  faded  flowers. 

/.  O.  Whitiier. 


104  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


LARKSPUR.          (Donble-flowercd.)   Class  13.  Order  3.  A 
genus  almost  equally  divided  between  Si- 

.        ^  ^  ^  ;oulhjof  Europe     Nutural. 

ized  in  North  America.     Flowers  greenish, 
white  and  pink;  made  doable  by  cultivation. 


HAUGHTINESS. 

The  Larkspur,  plant  of  ancient  name, 
Advanced  his  haughty  ensign  high. 

Talu  of  the  Flouxrt. 

SENTIMENT. 

She  was  like 

A  dream  of  poetry,  that  may  not  be 
Written  or  told—  exceeding  beautiful  ! 
And  so  came  worshippers;  and  rank  bowed  down 
And  breathed  upon  her  heart,  as  with  a  breath 
Of  pride;  and  bound  her  forehead  gorgeously 
With  dazzling  scorn,  and  gave  unto  her  step 
A  majesty  as  if  she  trod  the  sea, 
And  the  proud  waves  unbidden  lifted  her 

Willit 


FLOJIA  8    INTERPRETER.  105 

LARKSPUR.  (Single-flowered.)     Clan  13.     Order  3. 

iim.  A  genu8  alnlost  equally  divided  between 

um.         gib|ria  and  the  ^  'f  Europe_a  fcw 

species  found  in  America.    Flowers  loosely 
spiked  —  pink  color. 

FICKLENESS. 

There  is  no  truth  in  love: 
It  alters  with  a  smile  of  fortune's  sun, 
As  flowers  do  change  by  culture. 

Anon, 

SENTIMENT. 

I  saw  thee  in  the  gay  saloon 

Of  fashion's  glittering  mart, 
Where  Mammon  buys  what  Love  deplores, 

Where  Nature  yields  to  Art; 
And  thou  wert  so  unlike  the  herd 

My  kindling  heart  despised, 
I  could  not  choose  but  yield  that  heart, 

Though  love  were  sacrificed. 
The  smile  which  hung  upon  thy  lips, 

In  transport  with  their  tone, 
The  music  of  thy  thoughts,  which  breathed 

A  magic  theirs  alone! 
The  looks  which  spake  a  soul  so  pure, 

So  innocent  and  gay, 
Have  passed,  like  other  golden  hopes 

Of  happiness,  away. 


ANSWER. 

Unhappy  he,  who  lets  a  tender  heart, 
Bound  to  him  by  the  ties  of  earliest  love, 
Fall  from  him  by  his  own  neglect,  and  die, 
Because  it  met  no  kindness. 

Pirciwl. 


106  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


LAUREL,  AMERICAN.     C/ow  10.    Ordtr  i.    A  North 

Kalmin  American  genus.     Foliage  a  deep 

dark  green ;  flowers  beautiful, 
crimson,  red,  and  peach  blossom 
color.  Species  numerous — called 
sometimes  calico-bush. 

VIRTUE  MAKES  HER  CHARMING. 

But  in  thy  form,  thou  Laurel  green, 
Fair  virtue's  semblance  soon  is  seen; 

In  life  she  cheers  each  different  stage, 
Spring's  transient  reign,  and  Summer's  glow, 
And  Autumn  mild,  advancing  slow, 

And  lights  the  eye  of  age. 

Monthly  Anthology. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  love  to  look  on  woman  when  her  eye 
Beams  with  the  radiant  light  of  charity ; 
I  love  to  look  on  woman  when  her  face 
Glows  with  religion's  pure  and  perfect  grace; 
O,  then  to  her  the  loveliness  is  given 
Which  thrills  the  heart  of  man  like  dreams  of  heaven. 

T,  C.  Otit. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  107 


LAUREL,  MOUNTAIN.      Clou  10.     Order  \.     Found  in 
Rhododendron.  No.rt,h.  America>  sibc/*«  EuroP«* 

and  the  mountains  of  Caucasus. 


AMBITION. 

The  Laurel,  meed  of  mighty  conquerors 
And  poets  sage. 

Fairy  Quxn. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  loved  to  hear  the  war-horn  cry, 
And  panted  at  the  drum's  deep  roll; 

And  held  my  breath,  when — flaming  high — 

I  saw  our  starry  banners  fly, 

As,  challenging  the  haughty  sky, 
They  went  like  battle  o'er  my  soul; 

For  I  was  so  ambitious  then, 

I   burned  to  be  the  slave — of  men. 

****** 

But  I  am  strangely  altered  now: 

I  love  no  more  the  bugle's  voice — 
The  rushing  wave — the  plunging  prow — 
The  mountain  with  his  clouded  brow, 
The  thunder  when  the  blue  skies  bow, 

And  all  the  sons  of  God  rejoice: 
I  love  to  dream  of  tears  and  sighs, 
And  shadowy  hair,  and  half-shut  eyes. 

JUteAM, 


108  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

LAURUSTINUS.  Class  5.    Order  3.    Found  principal 

Vilitirnti'm     tin  tie  ty  m  North  America  and  Japan — 

Yiburnum,  tmus.         ^  aro  four  gpecies  ^  Europe 

An  evergreen  shrub;  flowers  white, 
sometimes  tinged  with  red. 

A  TOKEN. 

A  Laurustinus  bear 

In  blossoms  to  my  love : 
Its  language  she  will  hear. — 

Anon.     (Flora' »  Dictionary.) 

SENTIMENT. 

So  take  my  gift!  't  is  a  simple  flower, 
But  perhaps  't  will  wile  a  weary  hour; 
And  the  spirit  that  its  light  magic  weaves 
May  touch  your  heart  from  its  simple  leaves — 
And  if  these  should  fail,  it  at  least  will  be 
A  token  of  love  from  me  to  thee. 

Token  for  1829. 

ANSWER. 

Ye  may  search  the  earth,  and  the  shoreless  deep, 
For  the  fairest  things  in  their  cells  they  keep ; 
Ye  may  gather  the  light  of  an  eastern  mine, 
And  offer  it  up  on  affection's  shrine; 
But  ye  '11  never  find  it  cherished  there 
Like  a  simple  gift,  with  the  heart's  pure  prayer. 
Mrs.  L.  P.  Smith. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  109 

LAVENDER.  Clou  14.     Order  1.     Indigenous  to 

,  spika.       fiEA'SaJ 

and  white — quite  fragrant 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. 

She  sent  him  Lavender,  owning  her  love. 

Shak*pear«. 

SENTIMENT. 

T  is  morning,  yet  I  am  not  gay — 
T  is  spring,  and  yet  I  only  sigh — 

My  pleasures  all  are  flown  away ; 
Oh !  who  can  tell  me  where  or  why  ? 

It  was  not  so  before — for  bright 

As  summer  clouds  were  all  my  dreams; 

No  mist  could  hide  the  rosy  light, 
That  seemed  on  all  to  pour  its  beams. 

In  autumn,  when  the  chill  winds  blew 
My  playmate  birds  all  went  away — 

I  did  not  weep,  for  well  I  knew 
They  'd  come  again  some  happy  day. 

But  now  I  'm  weary  of  them  all, 

And  vaguely  dream — I  know  not  why, 
Of  music  softer  than  the  call 

Of  birds  at  evening  whispering  nigh. 

Token,  1831. 
10 


110  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


LEMON,  BLOSSOM.  Cla»  13.     Order  I.    Native  of 

ast,  but  naturalized 

climate8>    Flower8 


;«'*»/»>  t«   East,  but  naturalized  in  all 

,  limon. 


white. 
DISCRETION. 

Meek 

As  woman's  wisdom,  their  white  blossoms  smile, 
The  promise  of  a  golden  fruitage. 

Oisbomt 

SENTIMENT. 

How  excellent  is  woman,  when  she  gives 
To  the  fine  pulses  of  her  spirit  way; 
Her  virtues  blossom  daily,  and  pour  out 
A  fragrance  upon  all  who  in  her  path 
Have  a  blest  fellowship. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  1 1 1 


LtfCHEN.          (Tall  Moss.)    Clntt  24.   Order  5.    These  i 

esare  fleshy  or  leather-like  substances,  growing 
on  trees,  and  vegetating  on  naked  rocks,  draw- 
ing nourishment  chielly  from  the  air. 

SOLITUDE. 

Retiring  Lichen  climbs  the  topmost  stone, 
And  drinks  the  aerial  solitude  alone. 

Darwin. 

SENTIMENT. 

Alone!  alone!     How  drear  it  is, 

Always  to  be  alone! 
In  such  a  depth  of  wilderness, 

The  only  thinking  one! 
The  waters  in  their  path  rejoice, 

The  trees  together  sleep— 
But  I  have  not  one  silver  voice 

Upon  my  ear  to  creep. 

I  'm  weary  of  my  lonely  hut, 

And  of  its  blasted  tree; 
The  very  lake  is  like  my  lot, 

So  silent,  constantly. 
I  've  lived  amid  the  forest  gloom, 

Until  I  almost  fear 

When  will  the  thrilling  voices  come 

My  spirit  thirsts  to  hear? 


Willi*. 


ANSWER. 


There  's  a  blest  and  sacred  solitude, 

On  which  the  world  should  never  intrude, 

When  bright  to  the  view  fond  memory  brings 

A  vision  of  dear  departed  things: 

And  then,  as  fair  as  the  evening  star, 

Comes  the  image  of  friends  removed  afar; 

And  the  vision  that  brightens  through  memory's  tears, 

In  the  sunshine  and  bustle  of  mirth  disappears. 

Mrt.  Hale. 


112  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

LlLAC,  PURPLE.  Class  2.     Order  1.     Indigenous  tt 

«      •  the  East,  the  most  beautiful  species 

nyringu.  found  ^  Pm]^     Fiower8  purple  or 

white — very  fragrant 
FASTIDIOUSNESS. 

The  Lilac  varies  in  array — now  white, 
Now  sanguine,  and  her  beauteous  head  now  set 
With  purple  spikes,  studious  of  ornament, 
Yet,  unresolved  which  hue  she  most  approves, 
She  chose  them  all. 

Cowper't  Winter's  Walk  at  JVbon. 

SENTIMENT. 

Is  't  not  a  curse  to  be 

Fastidiously  refined — 
Breathing  an  air  whose  rarity 

Separates  from  human  kind? 

To  be  the  theme  of  fools — 

The  wonder  of  a  crowd — 
Thy  life-blood  drawn  by  measured  rules, 

Or  stunned  by  flatterers  loud? 

Ladies'  Magazine,  Vol.  IV. 

ANSWER. 

I  hate  these  darkened  thoughts  o'er  things 

All  radiant  with  joy; 
'T  is  suffering  deep  and  still  that  wrings 

Reflection's  dark  alloy. 
Away  with  dreams — I  will  not  cloud 

The  light  of  brilliant  smiles; 
They  will  find  too  soon  a  shadowy  shroud, 

As  we  tread  life's  gloomy  aisles. 

Mrs.  L.  P.  Smith. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  113 


LlLAC,  WHITE.  Class2.    Order  1.    The  common 

Surinva   vultraris  LUac  ™  a  native  of  Persia,  but 

J      '&«•:   "i"e«'  naturalized  in  Europe  and  Ameri- 

ca.    Flowers  purple  and  white. 

YOUTHFUL  INNOCENCE. 

At  call  of  early  spring 

Burst  forth,  in  blossoming  fragrance,  Lilacs  robed 

In  snow-white  Innocence. 

Mason. 

SENTIMENT. 

She  had  grown, 

In  her  unstained  seclusion,  bright  and  pure 
As  a  first  opening  Lilac,  when  it  spreads 
Its  clear  leaves  to  the  sweetest  dawn  of  May. 

•And  she  were  one  on  whom  to  fix  my  heart, 
To  sit  beside  me  when  my  thoughts  are  sad, 
And,  by  her  tender  playfulness,  impart 
Some  of  her  pure  joy  to  me. 

PercivaL 

ANSWER. 

There  is  a  spell  in  every  flower, 

A  sweetness  in  each  spray, 
And  every  simple  bird  has  power 

To  please  me  with  its  lay. 

And  there  is  music  on  the  breeze 
That  sports  along  the  glade; 

The  crystal  dew-drops  on  the  trees 
Are  gems  by  fancy  made. 

O,  there  is  joy  and  happiness 

In  every  thing  I  see, 
Which  bids  my  soul  rise  up  and  bless 
The  God  who  blesses  me. 

Mrs.  Dinnitt. 
10* 


114  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

LlLT,  WHITE.  Class  6.     Order  1.     The  specie* 

to  both  hemispheres. 
PURITY  AND  BEAUTY. 

The  Lily,  of  all  the  children  of  the  spring 
The  palest, — fairest  too,  where  fair  ones  are. 

Barry  Cornvxill. 

SENTIMENT. 

Thine  is  a  face  to  look  upon  and  pray 
That  a  pure  spirit  keep  thee — I  would  meet 
With  one  so  gentle  by  the  streams  away, 
Living  with  nature;  keeping  thy  pure  feet 
For  the  unfingered  moss,  and  for  the  grass 
Which  leaneth  where  the  gentle  waters  pass. 
The  autumn  leaves  should  sigh  thee  to  thy  sleep ; 
And  the  capricious  April,  coming  on, 
Awake  thee  like  a  flower;  and  stars  should  keep 
A  vigil  o'er  thee  like  Endymion; 
And  thou  for    very  gentleness  shouldst  weep 
As  dews  of  the  night's  quietness  come  down. 

Willi*. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  115 

LlLY,  YELLOW.  Clan6.    Order  1.   The  Ytllmo  Lily 

I  iliiii  i     /I//P/I  '9  a  nntivo  of  Persia,  naturalized  in 

urn,  /.u/ca.  Europo  nnd  Amcrica/ 

PLAYFUL  GAYETY. 


Ye  well  arrayed 

Queen  Lilies — and  ye  painted  populace, 
Who  dwell  in  fields,  and  lead  ambrosial  lives. 

Young 

SENTIMENT. 

I  met  a  lily  in  the  vale, 

Just  opened  to  the  morning  gale, 

And  so  I  stopped  to  gaze; 
And  thou  art  beautiful,  I  said — 
That  lily  did  not  hide  its  head, 
But  freely  forth  its  odors  shed, 

To  pay  me  for  my  pruisc. 


But,  Ellen,  there  's  a  lovelier  thing 

Than  Lily,  rose,  or  mountain  spring—- 
And yet  it  wakes  my  fears; 

For  when  I  praise,  behold  it  frowns! 

And  when  I  'd  clasp,  awav  it  bounds! 

And  when  I  'd  kneel  and  kiss  it — zounds! 
I  get  a  slap  upon  my  ears. 

Token.  1828. 


116  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER 


LlLY,  SCARLET.  Class  6.    Order  1.    Found  in-the 

Carolinicum.  S.outhcrn  States  particularly  in 
the  mountains,  liy  cultivation  it 
is  rendered  very  beautiful. 

HIGH-SOULED. 

The  wand-like  Lily,  which  lifted  up, 
As  a  Mcenad,  its  radiant-colored  cup, 
Till  the  fiery  star,  which  is  in  its  eye, 
Gazed  through  clear  dew  on  the  tender  sky. 

Shelly. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  bring  no  gift  of  passion, 

I  breathe  no  tone  of  love, 
But  the  freshness  and  the  purity 

Of  a  feeling  far  above. 
I  love  to  turn  to  thee,  fair  girl, 

As  one  within  whose  heart 
Earth  had  no  stain  of  vanity, 

And  fickleness  no  part. 

*  ***** 

O,  save  to  one  familiar  friend, 

Thy  heart  its  veil  should  wear, 
The  faithless  vow  be  all  unheard, — 

The  flattery  wasted  there ; 
Heeding  the  homage  of  the  vain 

As  lightly  as  some  star, 
Whose  steady  radiance  changes  not, 

Though  thousands  kneel  afar. 

/.  G.  Whittier. 


•FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  U7 


LlLT  OF  THE  VALLEY.  Class 6.  Order  1.  American 
Convallaria,  or  majalis.  fP6™8'  »  common  also  to 
Europe — 2  species  found  in 
Japan.  Flowers  generally 
white,  variegated  with  green; 
a  variety  from  Japan  has  violet- 
colored  Sowers. 

DELICATE  SIMPLICITY. 

The  Lily,  in  whose  snow-white  bells 
•Simplicity  delights  and  dwells. 

Balfour. 

SENTIMENT. 

Fair  girl!  by  whose  simplicity 

My  spirit  has  been  won 
From  the  stern  earthliness  of  life, 

As  shadows  flee  the  sun; 
I  turn  again  to  think  of  thee, 

And  half  deplore  the  thought, 
That  for  one  instant,  o'er  my  soul, 

Forgetfulness  hath  wrought! 
I  turn  to  that  charmed  hour  of  hope, 

When  first  upon  my  view 
Came  the  pure  sunshine  of  thine  heart, 

Borne  from  thine  eyes  of  blue. 
'T  was  thy  high  purity  of  soul — 

Thy  thought-revealing  eye, 
That  placed  me  spell-bound  at  thy  feet, 

Sweet  wanderer  from  the  sky. 

Willis  G.  Clark. 

ANSWER. 

O,  would  that  the  gush  of  the  youthful  heart 

Might  linger  in  riper  years! 
That  its  simple  spirit  would  not  depart 

In  the  hours  of  grief  and  tears. 

F. 


118  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER* 


LOBELIA.  ClattS.     Order  1.     A  genus  known  to 

L  cardinalis.         contain  near|y  10°  8Pecie9-  almost  Pecu* 

liar  to  America,  South  Africa,  and  Aus- 
Flowen  blue  and  scarlet. 


MALEVOLENCE. 

And  fell  Lobelia's  suffocating  breath 

Loads  the  dank  pinions  of  the  gale  with  death. 

Darwin. 


FLORAS    INTERPRETER.  119 


LOCUST.  (Green  leaved.)   Clast  17.  Order  10. 


North  American  species  —  and  there 
is  one  in  India,  and  one  in  China. 


AFFECTION  BEYOND  THE  GRAVE. 

Tho  fresh  boughs  of  the  Locust  tree 
Do  image  forth  his  memory  in  my  heart. 

Mon  tfy. 

SENTIMENT. 

We  send  these  fond  endearments  o'er  the  grave;  — 
Heaven  would  be  hell  if  loved  ones  were  not  there, 
And  any  spot  a  heaven,  if  we  could  save 
From  every  stain  of  earth,  and  thither  bear 
The  hearts  that  are  to  us  our  hope  and  care, 
The  soil  whereon  our  purest  pleasures  grow: 
Around  the  quiet  hearth  we  often  share, 
From  the  quick  change  of  thought,  the  tender  flow 
Of  fondness  waked  by  smiles,  the  world  wo  love  below. 

Percival. 

ANSWER. 

Weep  not  for  those 
Who  sink  within  the  arms  of  death 
Ere  yet  the  chilling  wintry  breath 

Of  sorrow  o'er  them  blows; 
But  weep  for  them  who  here  remain, 
The  mournful  heritors  of  pain, 
Condemned  to  see  each  bright  joy  fade, 
And  mark  grief's  melancholy  shade 

Flung  o'er  Hope's  fairest  rose. 

Mr*.  Embury. 


120  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

LOTOS  FLOWER.         Classn.    Order  10.   NativeofEgypt 

r,j«0-  and    India.      An    aquatic    plaut — its 

fruit  growing  from  the  root  is  good  for 

food.     Flowers  red,  blue,  and  white. 

ESTRANGED  LOVE. 
Lotos,  the  nymph,  (if  rural  tales  be  true,) 

Forsook  her  form;  and,  fixing  here,  became 
A  flowery  plant,  which  still  preserves  her  name. 

Pope'$  Ovid. 

SENTIMENT. 

Farewell — farewell!  there  is  no  tie, 

When  we  are  far  apart, 
To  be,  in  every  changing  scene, 

A  spell  upon  thy  heart! 
It  is  not  that  the  glow  is  less 

Upon  thy  glorious  brow, 
Nor  that  thy  voice  has  lost  the  soul 

Of  silvery  music  now. — 
Nor  is  it  that  a  fickle  heart 

Another  god  has  made, 
And  reared  another  shrine,  whereon 

Its  votive  gifts  are  laid. 

But  passion's  sun  at  rising  shone 

With  all  its  noontide  power, 
And  called  those  young  buds  into  bloom — 

It  withered  in  an  hour. 
Like  kindlier  warmth  to  spring  flowers  given 

Than  their  own  April  sky, 
To  bid  those  flowerets  early  bloom, 

But  earlier  to  die. 

Hindu, 


FLORA'S    INTERPRETER.  121 

LOVE-LIES-A-BLEEDING.  Class  19.     Order  5.     A 

Aumm^,  kypocondM*,.  ES,<iS*$r<SC 

ed  to  India  and  North 
America ;  3  species  in 
Europe.  Flowers  purple- 
red — seeds  pink. 

HOPELESS  NOT  HEARTLESS. 

Nor  would  I  change  my  buried  love 
For  any  heart  of  living  mould, 
No — for  I  am  a  hero's  child — 
I  '11  hunt  my  quarry  in  the  wild; 
And  still  my  home  this  mansion  make, 
Of  all  unheeded  and  unheeding, 
And  cherish  for  my  warrior's  sake, 
The  flower  of  '  Love-lies-bleeding 

Campbtll. 

SENTIMENT. 

Though  the  burning  tears 

Like  gems  are  on  thy  cheek — 
Though  the  burdened  heart  hath  sorrow 

Which  the  lip  may  never  speak; 
Though  the  memories  of  Hope's  treacherous  song, 

In  sad  relief,  are  set 
Against  thy  coming  years  of  ill, 

With  all  their  vain  regret — 
Yet,  in  the  stern  morality 

Which  rises  from  this  hour, 
Thou  mayst  gain  a  perfect  talisman 

Of  a  pervading  power; 
T  is  the  lesson  of  earth's  vanity, 

And  as  its  phantoms  rise 
And  die  like  buds  around  the  thorn, 

Mayst  ripen  for  the  skies. 

Willis  G.  Clark. 


122  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

LUPINE.  Class  17.     Order  4.    Found  in  both  Atmncnn, 

//uomus          ^'c  sout'1  °^  ^ur°Pc>  I-R.VPI  an'^  t'10  f';|pe  °f 


,,u|st._t|ie 

cultivated  for  flowers  are  white,  blue,  yellow, 
and  rose-colored. 

DEJECTION,  SORROW. 

The  Lupines  here,  as  evening  shadows  rise, 
Low  droop  their  sorrowing  leaves, 
And  close  their  humid  eyes. 

Garland  of  Flora. 

SENTIMENT. 

Oh!  for  my  bright  and  faded  hours, 
When  life  was  like  a  summer  stream, 
On  whose  gay  banks  the  virgin  flowers 
Blushed  in  the  morning's  rosy  beam. 

****** 
That  scene  of  love! — where  hath  it  gone; 
Where  have  its  charms  and  beauty  sped? 
My  hours  of  youth  that  o'er  me  shone, 
Where  have  their  light  and  splendor  fled? 
Into  the  silent  lapse  of  years — 
And  I  am  left  on  earth  to  mourn; 
And  I  am  left  to  drop  my  tears 
O'er  memory's  lone  and  icy  urn! 

/.  R.  Staermcister. 

ANSWER. 

Methinks  when  on  the  languid  eye 

Life's  autumn's  scenes  grow  dim, 
When  evening  shadows  veil  the  sky, 

And  pleasure's  syren  hymn 
Grows  fainter  on  the  tuneless  ear, 
Like  echoes  from  another  sphere, 

Or  dreams  of  seraphim — 
It  were  not  sad  to  cast  away 
This  dull  and  cumbrous  load  of  clay. 

Willis  G.  Clark 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  123 


MAGNOLIA. 

Class  13.     Onler  13.     A  jjnui 

of  1  r, 

Magnolia,  glauca. 

twi'fii  ill.-  1  nil.-d   Slat.-*  :tini 
OHO     spi-rii-s     in    tropical     Ai 
Flowers  whitu  or  cream  color 
fragrant  and  beautiful. 

hill.!  , 

t'rica. 
very 

LOVE  OF  NATURE. 

Immortal  in  bloom, 

Soft  waves  the  Magnolia  its  groves  of  perfume, 
And  low  bends  the  branch  with  rich  fruitage  depressed, 
All  glowing  like  gems  in  the  crowns  of  the  cast; 
Then?  the  bright  eye  of  nature  in  mild  glory  hovers: 
'T  is  the  land  of  the  sunbeam,  the  green  isle  of  lovers. 

Yamoyilen. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  know,  for  thou  hast  told  me, 

Thy  maiden  love  of  flowers; 
Ah,  those  that  deck  thy  gardens, 

Are  pale,  compared  with  ours. 
When  our  wide  woods  and  mighty  lawns 

Bloom  to  the  April  skies, 
The  earth  hath  no  more  glorious  sight 

To  show  to  human  eves. 
Come,  thou  hast  not  forgotten 

Thy  pledge  and  promise  quite, 
With  many  blushes  murmured 

Beneath  the  evening  light. 
Come,  the  young  violets  crowd  my  door, 

Thy  earliest  look  to  win; 
And  at  my  silent  window  sill 

The  jessamine  peeps  in. 
All  day  the  red-bird  warbles 

Upon  the  mulberry  near, 
And  the  night-sparrow  trills  his  song, 

All  night,  with  none  to  hear. 

Bryant. 


124  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


MARIGOLD,  YELLOW.      On/«ri9.  cia.» 4.  indigenous 

xi    i       i    i          /!;•/•  to  Europe.  South  America,  ;nid 

Calendula,  officinalit.       j|uli;i    'Tfic  yi.|lmv  HowerfWM 

sacred  to  Venus,  and  highly 
prized  by  the  ancients.  It  h;  s 
been  devoted  by  Catholics  to  ths 
Virgin  Mary. 

SACRED  AFFECTIONS. 

Open  afresh  your  round  of  starry  folds, 

Ye  ardent  Marigolds! 

Dry  up  the  moisture  of  your  golden  lids, 

For  great  Apollo  bids 

That  in  these  days  your  praises  shall  be  sung 

On  many  harps  which  he  has  lately  strung. 

Keats. 

SENTIMENT. 

Come,  send  abroad  a  love  for  all  who  live; 
Canst  guess  what  deep  content  in  turn  they  give? 
Kind  wishes  and  good  deeds  will  render  back 
More  than  thou  e'er  canst  sum.    Thou  'It  nothing  lack, 
But  say — '  1  'm  full! ' — Where  does  the  stream  begin? 
The  source  of  outward  joy  lies  deep  within. 

And  if  indeed  'tis  not  the  outward  state, 
But  temper  of  the  soul  by  which  we  rate 
Sadness  or  joy,  then  let  thy  bosom  move 
With  noble  thoughts,  and  wake  thee  into  love 
Then  let  the  feeling  in  thy  breast  be  given 
To  noble  ends — this,  sanctified  by  Heaven, 
And  springing  into  life,  new  life  imparts, 
Till  thy  frame  beats  as  with  a  thousand  hearts. 

Dana. 
ANSWER. 

Trees  and  flowers  and  streams 
Are  social  and  benevolent;   and  he 
Who  oft  communeth  in  their  language  pure, 
Roaming  among  them  at  the  close  of  day, 
Shall  find,  like  him  who  Eden's  garden  dressed, 
His  Maker  there,  to  teach  his  listening  heart. 

Mrs.  Sigourney 


FLORA  S    INTERPRETER.  125 


MARIGOLD,  FRENCH.          Class  19.     Order  2.     Thisisa 

Tagetes,  patula.  Mcxican.  ^  »n?  lhe  fabulo.u« 

account  is,  that  it  became  *t;un- 
ed  or  marked  with  the  blood  of 
Mexicans  whom  the  Christian 
Spaniards  slew.  Flowers  dark 
red,  almost  purple 

JEALOUSY. 

And  Jcalousie 

That  we'ved  of  yelwo  goldes  a  girlonde 
And  had  a  cukewc  sitting  in  her  hand. 

JTniffAJ'*  Tale. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  know  there  is  a  rival  in  the  case, 
A  very  rich  and  very  stupid  fellow  — 

Philosophy,  however,  is  the  only 

Bulin  for  the  evils  of  this  changing  life; 

It  soothes  alike  the  married  and  the  lonely, 
Healing  the  ills  of  maiden  or  of  wife: 

Husbands  and  youthful  bachelors  may  find  toe 
A  solace  in  it,  when  they  have  a  mind  to. 

Sargent 

ANSWER. 

Ay,  such  is  man's  philosophy, 

When  woman  is  untrue; 
The  loss  of  one  but  teaches  him 
To  make  another  do. 

Token  for  1832 
11* 


126  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


SAFFRON.  Clan  6.     Order  3.     Native  of 

C^oWcum,  au^nali.      ^'    ^•^TSSS. 

sometimes  variegated.      It  llow 


era  in  autumn. 


I  DO  NOT  FEAR  TO  GROW  OLD. 

Then  bright  from  earth  amid  the  troubled  sky, 
Ascends  fair  Colchicwn,  with  radiant  eye, 
Warms  the  cold  bosom  of  the  hoary  year, 
And  lights  with  beauty's  blaze  the  dusky  sphere. 

Darwin. 

SENTIMENT. 

Lament  who  will,  in  fruitless  tears, 

The  speed  with  which  our  moments  fly: 

I  sigh  not  over  vanished  years, 

But  watch  the  years  that  hasten  by. 

Why  grieve  that  time  has  brought  so  soon 

The  sober  age  of  manhood  on? 
As  idly  should  I  weep  at  noon 

To  see  the  blush  of  morning  gone. 

True,  time  will  sear  and  blanch  my  brow: 
Well — I  shall  sit  with  aged  men, 

And  my  good  glass  will  tell  me  how 
A  grisly  beard  becomes  me  then. 

And  should  no  foul  dishonor  lie 

Upon  my  head  when  I  am  gray, 
Love  yet  may  search  my  fading  eye, 

And  smooth  the  path  of  my  decay. 

Bryant. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  127 


MlGNONETTE.          Class  ll.  OnlerS.  The .BcseJa Qdorato, 
Reseda,  odorato.     Swi!l!l  MiS"ont!lte.  "  »  native  of  KgyPt. 

Flow«rs  very  fragrant,  color  jialo  yellow 
or  white. 


YOUR  QUALITIES  SURPASS  YOUR  LOVELINESS. 

No  gorgeous  flowers  the  meek  Reseda  grace, 
Yet  sip  with  eager  trunk  yon  busy  race 
Her  simple  cup,  nor  heed  the  da/.zling  gem 
That  beams  in  Fritillaria's  diadem. 

Dr.  Evans. 

SENTIMENT. 

She  had  read 

Her  father's  well-filled  library  with  profit, 
And  could  talk  charmingly.  Then  she  would  sing, 
And  play  too,  passably,  and  dance  with  spirit. 
She  sketched  from  nature  well,  and  studied  How«r» 
Which  was  enough  alone  to  love  her  fo.. 
Yi>t  she  was  knowing  in  all  needlr,voi-k, 
And  shone  in  dairy  and  ih  kit^ncil  cor, 
As  in  the  parlor. 

-V 


128  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


MEZEREON.  Cla**8.    Order  1.    Found  in  Europe  and 

Dalphne,  odora.     **•»• .  R.  h"8  /"^^  Jow.er8, in  little  ter' 

~  rainal  heads,  white  and  red,  fragrant. 

TIMIDITY. 

In  sweet  Mezereon's  tinctured  bush 
Again  revives  coy  Dalphne's  maiden  blush. 

Eta**. 


SENTIMENT. 

There  was  one  fair  girl — her  glossy  hair 
Fell  over  a  brow  undimmed  by  care: 
A  slight  rose-tinge  was  on  her  cheek — 
And  the  light  in  her  eye  so  soft  and  meek, 
She  seemed  to  shrink  like  a  timid  dove, 
Though  the  voice  that  spoke  was  one  of  love. 
Sweet  one!  O  may  thy  footsteps  move 
Ever  as  lightly  as  now  they  rove; 
May  earth  to  thee  whisper  words  of  joy, 
With  never  a  frown  the  dream  to  destroy. 

Mri.  L  P.  Smith. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  129 

MoNK's-HOOD.  Class  IS.    Order  2.    A  genus  almost 

Aconitum.  napellus.  e|lually  divided  betwixt  the  alpine  re- 
gions of  Europe  and  Siberia.  Flowers 
blue-colored,  and  poisonous. 

DECEIT. 

Let  deceit  the  Monk's-hood  wear. 

Wiffen. 

SENTIMENT. 

Go  forth  again,  inconstant  one, 

Go  forth  among  proud  fashion's  throng — 
May  a  fair  sky  and  a  pleasant  sun 

Be  thine,  to  light  thy  step  along; 
No  malison  shall  rest  on  thee, 

Although  that  vow  so  soon  was  broken; 
Yet  thou  shalt  hear  no  curse  from  me, 

No  word  unmanly  shall  be  spoken: 
Forget  my  heart,  forget  my  lyre, — 

Forget  them  with  our  pleasures  gone ; 
Kindled  and  quenched  hath  been  love's  fire, 

Yet  I  forgive  thee — speed  thee  on. 

/.  F.  Rogert. 

ANSWER. 

Inconstant!  are  the  waters  so, 

That  fall  in  showers  on  hill  and  plain, 
Then,  tired  of  what  they  find  below, 

Ride  on  the  sunbeams  back  again? 
Pray,  are  there  changes  in  the  sky, 

The  winds,  or  in  our  summer  weather? 
In  sudden  change,  believe  me,  I 

Will  beat  both  clouds  and  winds  together: 
Nothing  in  air  or  earth  may  be 

Fit  type  of  my  inconstancy. 

Token  for  183ft. 


ISO  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER 


Clan  24.     Order  2.     Tbcrn  nre  noveral  spe- 

v:,,/.  n,,,/;,,™      cit;s  of  :|1H  m"ss'  l)Ut  li"'  d"^r''"rt;  '"•  ritr(lly 
bycopotlium.     kn(iwn  |jx<v||t  ,)y  ,,()t:mi,H.     ^.vvf,  havo 

di>tinct   leaves  and   often   steins.     They  lire 
found  ill  all  climates. 


ENNUI. 

The  mossy  fountains  and  the  silver  shades 
Delight  no  more. 

Pope. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  sorrow  that  all  fair  things  must  decay, 
While  time  and  accident  arid  miseries  last; 

That  the  red  rose  so  soon  must  fade  away, 
The  white  be  sullied  by  the  ruthless  blast; 

The  pure  snow  turned  to  mud  in  half  a  day; 
Even  heaven's  own  glorious  a/ure  be  o'ercast, 

Imperial  ermine  be  with  dust  defiled, 

And  China's  finest  crockery  cracked  aid  spoiled. 

Halltck. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  131 


MYRTLE.  Clatt  12.     Order  1.     Native  of  Europe  and 

Ul°  East    Tho  myrtl0  was  held  in  hish 

estimation  by  the  ancienU.     It  is  all  beauti- 
ful —  leaf,  flower,  and  tree.     Flower  white. 


LOVE  IN  ABSENCE. 

The  Jlfyrlle  on  thy  breast  or  brow 
Would  lively  hope  and  love  avow. 

/.  H.  Wifftn. 

SENTIMENT. 

We  must  part  awhile: 

A  few  short  months  —  though  short,  they  must  be  long 
Without  thy  dear  society;  but  yet 
We  must  endure  it,  and  our  love  will  bo 
The  fonder  after  parting  —  it  will  grow 
Intenser  in  our  absence,  and  again 
Burn  with  a  tender  glow  whrn  I  return. 
Fear  not;  this  is  rny  last  resolve,  and  this 
My  parting  token. 

PtrettA 


132  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


NARCISSUS,  POETICUS.      Cla*,6.    Ordtrl.    Indigenow 
to  Europe.   Flowers  white,  very 

large  ^  fragrant>  with  a  criro. 

son  border  round  the  nectary. 


EGOTISM  AND  SELF  LOVE. 

The  pale  JVoraMti* 

Still  feeds  upon  itself;  but,  newly  blown, 
The  nymphs  will  pluck  it  from  its  tender  stalk, 
And  say,  '  Go  fool,  and  to  thy  image  talk.' 

Lord  Thurloic. 


SENTIMENT. 

Nature's  laws  must  be  obeyed, 
And  this  is  one  she  strictly  laid 
On  every  soul  which  she  has  made, 

Down  from  our  earliest  mother: 
Be  self  y  OUT  first  and  greatest  care, 
From  all  reproach  the  darling  spare, 
And  any  blame  that  she  should  bear, 

Put  off  upon  another. 
Had  Nature  taken  a  second  thought, 
A  better  precept  she  had  taught, 
And  good  instead  of  evil  wrought 

By  those  the  power  possessing  ; 
For  self  had  been  put  out  of  sight, 
The  love  of  others  brought  to  light; 
In  short,  the  wrong  had  all  been  right, 

And  man  to  man  a  blessing 

JkftM  Gould. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  133 


Clou  8.     Order  1.     Found  in  Eu- 

Trorjcblum   maius         r°Pe  and  the   East-     F'owere  a 

lTVm  golden  yellow—  very  brilliant     The 

plant  is  said  to  emit  flashes  of  light 

in  tho  morning  before  sunrise  —  and 

also  at  the  twilight.    (Indian  Cress.) 

PATRIOTISM. 

Bright  the  JVos/ur/ion  glows,  and  late  at  eve 
Light,  lambent,  dances  o'er  its  sleepless  bed. 

Bidlakt 

SENTIMENT. 

Land  of  the  forest  and  the  rock, 

Of  dark  blue  lake  and  mighty  river  — 

Of  mountains  reared  aloft  to  mock 

The  storm's  career  and  lightning's  shock, 

My  own  green  land  forever! 

Oh,  never  may  a  son  of  thine, 

Where'er  his  wandering  steps  incline, 

Forget  the  sky  which  bent  above 

His  childhood  like  a  dream  of  love.  — 

Land  of  my  fathers  —  if  my  name, 

Now  humble  and  unwed  to  fame, 

Hereafter  burn  upon  the  lip, 

As  one  of  those  which  may  not  die, 

Linked  in  eternal  fellowship 

With  visions  pure,  and  strong  and  high; 

If  the  wild  dreams  which  quicken  now 

Thfi  throbbing  pulse  of  heart  and  brow, 

Hereafter  take  a  real  form, 

Like  spectres  changed  to  beings  warm, 

And  over  temples  wan  and  gray 

The  star-like  crown  of  glory  shine; 

Thine  be  the  bard's  undying  lay, 

The  murmur  of  his  praise  be  thine. 

/.  G.  Whittier 
12 


134  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


NETTLE.  Class  2l.  Order  4.     An  extensive  gen«s» 

Urtica  containing  near  80  species.     Indigenous 

to  the  tropical  parts  or  America,  India, 
and  tin;  islands  in  the  Pacific.  One  spe- 
cies in  Europe.  Flowers  have  no  corolla. 


SLANDER. 

O'er  the  throng  Urtica  flings 
Her  barbed  shafts,  and  darts  her  poisoned  stings. 

Darwin. 

SENTIMENT. 

O  thou,  from  whose  rank  breath  nor  sex  can  save, 
Nor  sacred  virtue,  nor  the  powerless  grave, 
Felon  unwhipped!  than  whom  in  yonder  cells 
Full  many  a  groaning  wretch  less  guilty  dwells, — 
Blush,  if  of  honest  blood  a  drop  remains, 
To  steal  its  lonely  way  along  thy  veins; 
Blush — if  the  bronze  long  hardened  on  thy  cheek 
Has  left  one  spot  where  that  poor  drop  can  speak; 
Blush  to  be  branded  with  the  Slanderer's  name, 
And  tho'  thou  dread'st  not  sin,  at  least  dread  shame 
We  hear,  indeed,  but  shuifdcr  while  we  hear, 
The  insidious  falsehood,  and  the  heartless  jeer: 
For  each  dark  libel  that  thou  lik'st  to  shape, 
Thou  mayst  from  law,  but  not  from  scorn  escape ; 
The  pointed  finger,  cold  averted  eye, 
Insulted  virtue's  hiss — thou  canst  not  fly. 

Sjragve. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  135 

NIGHTSHADE.  Clax*  5.     Order  I.     A  very  extensive 

Solatium,  nigrum.     f '"'— m.ortf  llia"   '"°  *»"v";s   are 

liiuiiil  in  America.  I  here  art!  species 
ul.-n  in  India  and  Africa.  Tin;  »SW//- 
nuin  niif  nun.  has  white  flowers  with 
yellow  a n tliers. 

DARK  THOUGHTS. 

Thy  baneful  root,  Solatium,  must  arise 
From  dismal,  dark  Tartarean  shade. 

Garland  of  Flora. 

SENTIMENT. 

O  say,  why  age,  and  grief,  and  pain, 
Shall  long  to  go,  but  long  in  vain; 
Why  vice  is  left  to  mock  at  time, 
And,  gray  in  years,  grow  gray  in  crime; 
While  youth,  that  every  eye  makes  glad, 
And  beauty,  all  in  radiance  clad, 
And  goodness,  cheering  every  heart, 
Come,  but  come  onlv  to  depart; 
Sunbeams,  to  cheer  life's  wintry  day — 
Sunbeams,  to  flash,  then  fade  away. 

Spragut. 

ANSWER. 

When  Heaven's  unerring  pencil  writes  on  every  pilgrim's  breast, 
As  passport  to  Time's  changeful  shore,  '  Lo  this  is  not  your  rest; 
Why  build  ye  towers,  ye  fleeting  ones? — Why  bowers  of  fra 

grance  rear — 
As  if  the  self-deluded  soul  might  find  its  solace  here? ' 

In  vain!  in  vain!  for  storms  will  rise,  and  o'er  your  treasures 

sweep; 

But  when  loud  thunders  vex  the  wave,  and  deep  replies  to  deep- 
When  in  your  desolated  path  Hope's  glittering  fragments  lay, 
Spring  up,  and  fix  your  grasp  on  that  which  never  can  decay. 

Mrs.  Sigourney. 


136  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


OAK  LEAF.  Class  21.  Order  13.  This  useful  genus 

Ouei'CUS  contains  about  80  species — found  chiefly 

^  in  Europe  and  America.  Only  one  single 

species  found  in  the  southern  hemisphere. 

The  oak  lives  to  a  great  age.    The  flower 

has  no  corolla. 


BRAVERY  AND  HUMANITY. 

Most  worthy  of  the  oaken  wreath 
The  ancients  him  esteemed, 

Who,  in  a  battle,  had  from  death 
Some  man  of  worth  redeemed. 

Drayton. 

SENTIMENT. 

TVtid  the  din  of  arms,  when  the  dust  and  smoke 

In  clouds  are  curling  o'er  thee, 
Be  firm  till  the  enemy's  ranks  are  broke, 

And  they  fall,  or  flee  before  thee. 

Yet  I  would  not  have  thee  towering  stand 

O'er  him  who  's  for  mercy  crying, 
But  bow  to  the  earth,  and  with  tender  hand 

Raise  up  the  faint  and  dying. 

Mist  Gould. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  137 


OATS.  Clots  B.    Order  2,     Found  in  the  United  States, 

Jlnenn  Europe,  Barbary,  etc.     Flowers  spreading,  with- 

out petals;  the  panicle  very  elegant  and  flexible. 

4 

MUSIC. 

Two  sister  nymphs,  the  fair  Avenas,  lead 
Their  fleecy  squadrons  o'er  the  lawns  of  Tweed; 
Pass  with  light  step  his  wave-worn  banks  along, 
And  wake  his  echoes  with  their  silver  tongue; 
Or  touch  the  reed,  as  gentle  love  inspires, 
In  notes  accordant  to  their  chaste  desires. 

Darwin, 

SENTIMENT. 

Young  thoughts  have  music  in  them,  love, 

And  happiness  their  theme, 
And  music  wanders  in  the  wind 

That  lulls  a  morning  dream. 
And  there  are  an^el  voices  heard 

In  childhood's  trolic  hours,  .- 
When  life  is  but  an  April  day 

Of  sunshine  and  of  flowers. 
There  's  music  in  the  forest  leaves, 

When  summer  winds  are  there, 
And  in  the  laugh  of  forest  girls, 

That  braid  their  sunny  hair. 
The  first  wild  bird  that  drinks  the  dew, 

From  violets  of  the  spring, 
Has  music  in  his  song,  and  in 

The  fluttering  of  his  wing. 

HalUck. 
12* 


138  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


OLIVE.  Class  2.     Order  I.     The  Olive  was  sacred  to 

Q]ea  Minerva;  and  it  lias  been,  since  the  Deluge,  the 

emblem   of  peace.     It  lives  to   a    "rent   age. 

Flowers  white,  gmull,  and  slightly  odoriferous. 

PEACE. 

The  sign  of  peace  who  first  displays, 
The  Olive  wreath  possesses. 

Drayton. 

SENTIMENT. 

Come,  while  the  blossoms  of  thy  year  are  brightest, 

Thou  youthful  wanderer  in  a  flowery  maze; 
Come,  while  the  restless  heart  is  bounding  lightest, 

Arid  joy's  pure  sunbeams  tremble  in  thy  ways; 
Come,  while  sweet  thoughts,  like  summer  buds  unfolding, 

Waken  rich  feelings  in  the  careless  breast — 
While  yet  thy  hand  the  ephemeral  wreath  is  holding, 

Come,  and  secure  interminable  rest 

Come,  while  the  morning  of  thy  life  is  glowing, 

Ere  the  dim  phantoms  thou  art  chasing  die — 
Ere  the  gay  spell,  which  earth  is  round  thee  throwing, 

Fades  like  the  crimson  from  a  sunset  sky. 
Life  is  but  shadows,  save  a  promise  given, 

Which  lights  up  sorrow  with  a  fadeless  ray. 
O,  touch  the  sceptre! — with  a  hope  in  heaven, 

Come,  turn  thy  spirit  from  the  world  away. 

Then  will  the  crosses  of  this  brief  existence 

Seem  airy  nothings  to  thine  ardent  soul, 
And,  shining  brightly  in  the  forward  distance, 

Will  of  thy  patient  race  appear  the  goal — 
Home  of  the  weary;  where,  in  peace  reposing, 

The  spirit  lingers  in  unbounded  bliss; 
Though  o'er  its  dust  the  uncurtained  grave  is  closing, 

Who  would  not  early  choose  a  lot  like  this' 

Columbian  Star. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  139 


ORANGE  BLOSSOM.  Cla*s\1.    Order  12.     Native  of 

Citrus  aurunlium.  Imli:i  ,aild  r.hina'    T1'8"01"8" 

:ir»  wiutOi  odorous,  in  short  ra- 

coincs. 


WOMAN'S  WORTH. 

Knowcst  then  the  land  where  groves  of  citron  flower, 
The  golden  Orange  darkling  leaves  embower — 
Know'st  thou  tlie  land?     Oh,  there,  oh,  there, 
I  long  with  thee,  my  loved  one,  to  repair. 

G  of  the. 


SENTIMENT. 

All!  woman — in  this  world  of  ours, 

What  gill  can  be  compared  to  thee? 
II<»w  slow  would  drag  life's  weary  hours, 
Though  man's  proud  brow  were  bound  with  flowers, 

And  his  the  wealth  of  land  and  sea, 
If  destined  to  exist  alone, 
And  ne'er  call  woman's  heart  his  own. 
****** 
Yes,  woman's  love  is  free  from  guile, 

And  pure  as  bright  Aurora's  ray; 
The  heart  will  melt  before  its  smile, 

And  earthly  objects  fade  away. 
Were  I  the  monarch  of  the  earth, 

And  master  of  the  swelling  sea, 
I  would  not  estimate  their  worth, 

Dear  woman,  half  the  price  of  thee. 

George  P.  Morrit. 


140  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


ORCHIS.  Class  19.     Order  1.     A  genns  of  near  90 

Orrhis  species,    principally    indigenous    to    Europe, 

Northern  Africa,  and  North  America.     Flow- 

era  orange,  yellow,  white,  and  bluish  purple; 

spiked. 


A  BELLE. 

The  Orchis  race  with  varied  beauty  charm, 
And  mock  the  exploring  fly,  or  bee's  aerial  form. 

C.  Smith. 

SENTIMENT. 

Men  gaze  on  beauty  for  a  while, 
Allured  by  artificial  smile ; 
But  Love  shall  never  twang  his  dart 
From  any  string  that 's  formed  by  art. 
****** 
Be  thine  to  live,  and  never  know 
Sweet  sympathy  in  joy  or  wo; 
To  see  Time  rob  thee,  one  by  one, 
Of  every  charm  thou  e'er  hast  known; 
To  see  the  moth,  that  round  thee  came. 
Flit  to  some  newer,  brighter  flame, 
And  never  know  thy  destined  fate, 
Till  to  retrieve  it  is  too  late. 

Paulding. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  141 

Ox-EYE.   .  Class  19.     Order  2.     A  genus  of  more 

than  20  species,  found  every  when 
tween  the  tropics.  Flowers  a  coi 
calyx.  Corolla  compound,  radiate. 


PATIENCE. 

Ox-eye  still  green,  and  bitter  patience. 

Garland  of  Flora. 

SENTIMENT. 

Even  as  a  fountain,  whose  unsullied  wave 
Wells  in  the  pathless  valley,  flowing  o'er 
With  silent  waters  kissing,  as  they  lave 
The  pebbles  with  bright  rippling,  and  the  shore, 
Of  matted  grass  and  flowers, — so  softly  pour 
The  breathings  of  her  bosom,  when  she  prays 
Low  bowed  before  her  Maker;  then  no  more 
She  muses  on  the  griefs  of  former  days; 
Her  full  heart  melts,  and  flows  in  heaven's  dissolving 
rays. 

Death  will  come — 

A  few  short  moments  over,  and  the  prize 
Of  peace  eternal  waits  her,  and  the  tomb 
Becomes  her  fondest  pillow. 

Percival. 

ANSWER. 


I  never  sought 


With  eagerness,  as  others  seek  in  vain, 

The  phantom,  Happiness; — for  I  was  taught, 

When  young,  it  dwelt  not  in  this  world — yes,  pain 

And  care  were  my  acquaintance  when  a  child; 

And  I  have  always  had  a  wish  to  turn 

Away  from  earth; — and  death  has  worn  a  mild, 

Not  fearful  aspect. 

Ladies'  Magazine,  Vol.  VII. 


142  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

PANSEY.  Class  5.    Order  1.     A  European  upe- 

Vinln     trirnJnr  cies  of  tlle  v'olel>  but  cultivated   here. 

V  lOltt,  triC<  h  .u  ^^  tricoiort  from  lhe  union  of 

purple,  yellow  uutl  blue  in  its  blossoms. 
TENDER  AND  PLEASANT  THOUGHTS. 

Pray  you,  love,  remember 
There  's  Pansies — that 's  for  thought. 

Shakspeart 

SENTIMENT. 

I  've  pleasant  thoughts  that  memory  brings, 

In  moments  free  from  care, 
Of  a  fairy-like  and  laughing  girl, 

With  roses  in  her  hair: 
Her  smile  was  like  the  star-light 

Of  summer's  softest  skies, 
And  worlds  of  joyous.>ess  there  shone 

From  out  her  witchL^  eyes. 

Her  looks  were  looks  of  rm-'ody, 

Her  voice  was  like  the  sweu 
Of  sudden  music,  notes  of  mirth, 

That  of  wild  gladness  tell. 
She  came  like  spring,  with  pleasant  sounds 

Of  sweetness  and  of  mirth, 
And  her  thoughts  were  those  wild  flowery  ones 

That  linger  not  on  earth. 

I  know  not  of  her  destiny, 

Or  where  her  smile  now  strays; 
But  the  thought  of  her  comes  over  me 

With  my  own  lost  sunny  days, — 
With  moonlight  hours,  and  far  off  friends, 

And  many  pleasant  things, 
That  have  gone  the  way  of  all  the  earth 

On  Time's  resistless  wings. 

Mrs.  L.  P.  Smith, 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  143 


PASSION  FLOWER.         Clats  IG.     OrderZ.     Indigenous  to 

PdSSiflora  Amerir:i — at  the  South  tin:  Howe™ 

J  are  bright  red;  those  of  the  Morth 

are  generally  pale  blue,  or  yellow. 

It  is  said  to  have  been  discovered 

and  named  by  the  missionaries. 

RELIGIOUS  I  LRVOR. 

One  more  plant 

Which  consecrates  to  Salem's  peaceful  King, 

Though  fair  as  any  gracing  beauty's  bower, 

Is  linked  to  sorrow  like  a  holy  thing, 

And  takes  its  name  from  suffering's  fiercest  hour. 

Be  this  my  noblest  theme — Imperial  Passion  Flower 

Whatever  impulse  first  conferred  that  name, 

Or  Fancy's  dream,  or  Superstition's  art, 

I  freely  own  its  spirit-touching  claim, 

With  thoughts  and  feelings  it  may  well  impart. 

Bernard  Barton. 


SENTIMENT. 

The  earth,  all  Hzht  and  loveliness,  in  summer's  golilen  hours. 
Smiles,  in  IKT  liriilul  vesture  clad,  nml  crowned  with  festal  [lowers, 
£o  radiantly  beautiful,  HO  like  to  heaven  above, 
We  scarce  can  deem  more  fair  that  world  of  perfect  bliss  and  love. 

Is  this  a  shadow,  faint  and  dim,  of  th:it  which  is  to  come? 

What  shall  the  unveiled  -lories  I I  our  celestial  home, 

Where  waves  the  glorious  tree  of  life,  where  HI  reams  of  bliss  gush  free, 
And  all  is  flowing  in  the  light  of  im  mortality  I 

To  see  again  the  homo  of  youth,  when  weary  years  have  passed, 
Serenely  bright,  as  when  we  turned  and  looked  upon  It  last; 
To  hear  the  voice  of  love,  to  meet  the  rapturous  embrace, 
To  g.i7.e,  through  tear*  ol'gladness,  on  each  dear  familiar  face. 

— Oh!  this  indeed  is  joy,  though  Vre  we  meet  aiain  to  part; 
But  what  transporting  bliss  awaits  the  pure  and  faithful  h-art. 
Where  it  shall  find  the  loved  and  lost,  those  who  have  gone  before, 
Where  every  tear  is  wiped  away,  where  partings  come  no  more. 

Christian  Examintr. 


144  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


PEA,  EVERLASTING.        Class  17.     Order  4.     There  are 
Lathyrus,  Latifolia.         a,bout  40ii8Pecics  of  ">»  8«nu8' 

almost  all  European— 4  only  in 
North  America;  there  are  a  few 
in  Northern  Africa.  Flowers  of 
the  native  kind  purple — the  exotic 
crimson. 


WILT  THOU  GO  WITH  ME? 


The  winged  Lathyrus,  that  lightly 
To  soar  Tike  hope  in  waiting  lovers'  dreams. 

Anon. 

SENTIMENT. 

Wilt  thou  go,  dearest,  go 

To  the  heath  and  the  mountain, 
Where  the  violets  blow 

On  the  brink  of  the  fountain; 
Where  the  soul  shall  be  free 

As  the  winds  that  blow  o'er  us, 
And  the  sunset  of  life 

Smile  in  beauty  before  us? 
There  nothing  but  death 

Our  affection  can  sever, 
And  till  life's  latest  breath 

Love  shall  bind  us  forever. 

PercivaL 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  145 

PEA,  SWEET.  Class   17.      Order   4.     Native  of 

Lathiirus  ndaratus  8ici|y  and  Ceylon-  Stalks  two- 
flowered.  The  blossoms  are  bean, 
tifully  rich  in  coloring — blue,  lilac, 
rose,  white,  etc.,  all  in  the  same 
flower,  very  fragrant. 

DEPARTURE. 

Here  are  Sweet  Peas,  on  tiptoe  for  a  flight, 
With  wings  of  gentle  flush  o'er  delicate  white, 
And  taper  fingers,  catching  at  all  things, 
To  bind  them  all  about  with  tiny  rings. 

Jfate. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  must  go  o'er  the  sea  to  other  lands: 

It  is  the  call  of  duty;  but  fear  not, 

I  shall  return,  and  then  our  loves  are  sure. 

Dream  not  of  danger  on  the  sea — one  power 

Protects  us  always,  and  the  honest  heart 

Fears  not  the  tempest. 

Ptrcival 

ANSWER. 

When  from  land  and  home  receding, 
And  from  hearts  that  ache  to  bleeding, 
Think  of  those  behind,  who  love  thee, 
While  the  sun  is  bright  above  thee! 
Then,  as  down  the  ocean  glancing, 
With  the  waves  his  rays  are  dancing, 
Think  how  long  the  night  will  be 
To  the  eyes  that  weep  for  thee. 

Mi*  Gould. 
13 


146  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

PEACH  BLOSSOM.  C/flw*12.    Onlerl.   The  native 

«*••.    KZ  °,f,±e,orcr 

from  Persia.     Flowers  pale  red. 
I  AM  YOUR  CAPTIVE. 

Go,  flower,  and  my  passion  declare, 
While  her  delicate  praises  you  speak  — 

Yet  the  Peach  Blossom  hue  is  less  fair 
Than  the  bloom  of  her  beautiful  cheek. 


SENTIMENT. 

I  loved  thee,  and  must  love  thee  still, 

In  memory  of  the  past, 
Amid  whate  er  of  earthly  ill 

My  future  lot  is  cast! 
E'er  in  my  boyhood's  sunny  prime, 
When  brightly  from  the  urn  of  Time 

Life's  golden  moments  fell, 
Thou  wert  a  peri  to  my  eyes, 
Sent  from  Love's  own  sweet  paradise, 

In  my  young  heart  to  dwell. 

JVew  York  Mirror 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  147 


PEONY.  C7a«13.     OriierS.     Native  of  Switzerland,  and 

Pceonid.          the    Alps'      Root    Perennial-     Flowera  double, 
crimson  color,  and  very  superb. 


ANGER. 

Pceonia  round  each  fiery  ring  unfurls, 
Bared  to  the  noon's  bright  blaze  her  sanguine  curls 

Evan*. 

SENTIMENT. 

The  wildest  ills  that  darken  life, 

Are  rapture  to  the  bosom's  strife; 

The  tempest,  in  its  blackest  form, 

Is  beauty  to  the  bosom's  storm; 

The  ocean,  lashed  to  fury  loud, 

Its  high  wave  mingling  with  the  cloud, 

Is  peaceful,  sweet  serenity, 

To  anger's  dark  and  stormy  sea. 

J.  W.  Eastburnt, 


148  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

PERIWINKLE,  BLUE.       Class  6.    Order  i.    Native  of 

Vin.ro.    minor  Egypt,  but  naturalized  in  Europe. 

V mCO,  minor.  Flowers  deep  blue,  white  in  the 

centre — scentless.  Leaves  ever- 
green— perennial. 

EARLY  AND  SINCERE  FRIENDSHIP. 

In  France,  the  Periwinkle  is  esteemed  the  emblem 
of  sincere  friendship. 

Where  captivates  the  sky-blue  Periwinkle 
Under  the  cottage  eaves. 

Hurdi*. 

SENTIMENT. 

Hast  thou  forgot,  friend  of  my  better  days, 

Hast  thou  forgot  the  early  innocent  joys 

Of  our  remotest  childhood — when  our  lives 

Were  linked  in  one,  and  our  young  hearts  bloomed  out 

Like  violet  bells,  upon  the  self-same  stem, 

Pouring  the  dewy  odors  of  life's  spring 

Into  each  other's  bosom — all  the  bright 

And  sorrowful  thoughts  of  a  confiding  love, 

And  intermingled  vows,  and  blossoming  hopes 

Of  future  good,  and  infant  dreams  of  bliss, 

Budding  and  breathing  sunnily  about  them, 

As  crimson-spotted  cups,  in  spring-time,  hang 

On  all  the  delicate  fibres  of  the  vine? 

B.  B.  Thatcher 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  149 


Pr»nviNKLE,tffa'/eorred.    Class  5.     Order  1.     Native 

f  tnca,  rosea.  °ru'l0  East  Indics-    II  *»"' 

era  the  greatest  part  of  the 
year.  Flowers  either  rose 
color  or  pure  white;  the  cen- 
tre always  a  rich  crimson 
with  a  yellow  eye. 

PLEASURES  OF  MEMORY. 

There  sprang  the  violet  all  newe, 
And  fresh  periwinke,  rich  of  hue, 
No  violet,  ne  eke  Periwinke 
Ne  floure  more  than  men  can  thinke. 

Chaucer. 

SENTIMENT. 

T  is  sweet,  and  yet  't  is  sad,  that  gentle  power, 
Which  throws  in  winter's  lap  the  spring-tide  flower: 
I  love  to  dream  of  days  my  childhood  knew, 
When,  with  the  sister  of  rny  heart,  time  flew 
On  wings  of  innocence  and  hope!  dear  hours, 
When  joy  sprung  up  about  our  path,  like  flowers! 

Our  smiles  were  clearer  than  the  skies  of  June; 
Our  tears  were  not  of  sorrow, — but  full  soon 
The  visions  of  my  boyhood  passed  away, 
And  heavily  life's  chain  upon  me  lay; 
And  now  't  is  sweet,  though  sad,  alone  to  lie 
Within  the  autumn  noon's  unclouded  eye, 
While  memory  renders  back  the  pearls  of  cost, 
That  else  in  time's  oblivious  waves  were  lost, 
And  bids  me  own  at  once,  and  bless  the  power 
Which  throws  in  winter's  lap  the  spring-tide  flower. 

Mrs.  A.  M.  Wtll*. 
13* 


160  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


PHLOX.  (Wild  Sweet  William.)   Class  5.   Gr<ler  1. 

Tllis  is  !1  lN|Ort1'  American  plant,  with  th« 

exccplion  of  one  species  fo'und  in  Norlll. 

ern  Asia.     Flowers  purple,  pink,  lilac  and 
white  —  very  showy.     Plant  perennial. 


UNANIMITY. 

Sioeel-vrilliams,  campions,  sops^in-wine, 

One  by  another  neatly; 
Thus  have  I  made  this  wreath  of  mine. 

Drayton. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  wish  I  could  build  me  a  princely  dome, 

With  temples  and  fountains  and  towers — 
I  'd  fence  it  about  with  wonderful  care, 
That  no  annoyers  should  break  in  there, 
And  all  within  should  be  tasteful  and  fair — 
Around  should  be  gardens  and  bowers. 

With  plenty  of  books,  and  abundance  of  wealth, 

Enough  for  myself  and  for  others, 
I  would  shut  out  the  ignorant,  wicked  and  rude, 
And  let  in  the  wise,  and  the  witty,  and  good, 
Who  should  keep  me  for  aye  in  a  sociable  mood, 

And  be  to  me  sisters  and  brothers. 

Nought  there  should  be  vulgar,  or  false,  or  unkind, 

And  nothing  to  tire  or  annoy; 
We  kindred  spirits  should  daily  meet, 
In  honest  and  faithful  affection  to  greet, 
And  chase  away  time  in  communion  sweet, 

Nor  look  for  the  blight  of  our  joy. 

American  Ladies'  Magazine,  Vol.  TV. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER  161 

PlNE.  (Black  Spruce.)     Class  21.     Order  IS. 

Pinu<t  nitrra  Tnia  8Peciei1  ««  indigenous  to  North  Amer- 
ica. Found  from  Canada  to  Carolina. 
Leaves  a  dark  green. 

PITY. 

A  Crotcn  of  Pine  upon  his  head  he  wore, 
And  thus  began  her  pity  to  explore. 

JDryden't  Ovil. 

SENTIMENT. 

To  me,  though  bathed  in  sorrow's  dew, 

The  dearer  far  art  thou: 
I  loved  thee  when  thy  woes  were  few, 

And  can  I  alter  now? 
That  face  in  joy's  bright  hour  was  fair; 
More  beautiful  since  grief  is  there, 

Though  somewhat  pale  thy  brow; 
And  be  it  mine  to  soothe  the  pain, 
Thus  pressing  on  thy  heart  and  brain. 

ANSWER. 

It  may  be  that  I  shall  forget  my  grief; 
It  may  be  time  has  good  in  store  for  me; 
It  may  be  that  my  heart  will  find  relief 
From  sources  now  unknown.     Futurity 
May  bear  within  its  folds  some  hidden  spring 
From  which  will  issue  blessed  streams;  and  yet 
Whate'er  of  joy  the  coming  year  may  bring, 
The  past — the  past — I  never  can  forget. 

Mrs.  Halt. 


152  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


PlNE,  PITCH.  C/o»i21.     Or<fer61.    Agenuacon 


There  are  few   in  the  Levant,   In- 
dia, and  China. 

TIME  AND  PHILOSOPHY. 

To  Rhea  grateful  still  the  pine  remains. 

Congreve's  Ovid. 
SENTIMENT. 

Yes,  dear  departed  cherished  days, 

Could  memory's  hand  restore 
Your  morning  light,  your  evening  rays, 

From  Time's  gray  urn  once  more,  — 
Then  might  this  restless  heart  be  still, 

This  straining  eye  might  close, 
And  Hope  her  fainting  pinions  fold, 

While  the  fair  phantoms  rose. 

But,  like  a  child  in  ocean's  arms, 

We  strive  against  the  stream, 
Each  moment  farther  from  the  shore, 

Where  life's  young  fountains  gleam  — 
Each  moment  fainter  wave  the  fields, 

And  wilder  rolls  the  sea; 
The  mist  grows  dark  —  the  sun  goes  down  — 

Day  breaks  —  and  where  are  we? 

O.  W.  Holme*. 
ANSWER. 

Why  should  we  count  our  life  by  years, 
Since  years  are  short,  and  pass  away? 
Or,  why  by  fortune's  smiles  and  tears, 
Since  tears  are  vain,  and  smiles  decay? 
O!  count  by  virtues  —  these  will  last 
When  life's  lame-footed  race  is  o'er; 
And  these,  when  earthly  joys  are  past, 
Shall  cheer  us  on  a  brighter  shore. 

Mn.  Halt. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER  153 


PlNE,  SPRUCE.        ClauZl.    Order  8.  This  species  is  cul- 

Pinus  dbies  tivated  in  gardens,  and  called  Norway 

Spruce  Fir.    It  has  long  fun-like  branch* 

es.     Cones  pendulous.     The  Burgundy 

pitch  is  made  from  thia  species. 

HOPE  IN  ADVERSITY. 

The  evergreen  stern  winter's  power  derides, 
Like  Hope  that  in  misfortune's  storm  abides. 


SENTIMENT. 

We  will  not  deplore,  then,  the  days  that  are  past; 
The  gloom  of  misfortune  is  over  them  cast: 
They  wore  lengthened  by  sorrow,  and  sullied  by  care; 
Their  griefs  were  too  many,  their  joys  were  too  rare; 
Yet  now  that  their  shadows  are  on  us  no  more, 
Let  us  welcome  the  prospect  that  brightens  before ! 

We  huve  cherished  fair  hopes,  we  have  plotted  brave  schemes; 
We  huve  lived  till  we  find  them  illusive  as  dreams; 
Wealth  has  melted  like  snow  that  is  grasped  in  the  hand, 
And  the  steps  we  have  climbed,  have  deserted  like  sand; 
Yet  shall  we  despond,  while  of  health  unbereft, 
And  honor,  bright  honor,  and  freedom  are  left  ? 

*  *  *  *  *        -      »  • 

Oh  let  us  no  longer  then  vainly  lament 
Over  scenes  that  have  faded,  or  days  that  are  spent; 
But,  by  faith  untbrsaken,  nnawed  by  mischance, 
On  Hope's  waving  banner  still  fixed  be  our  glance; 
And  should  fortune  prove  cruel  and  false  to  the  last, 
Let  us  look  to  the  future,  and  not  to  the  past. 

Token  for  1835. 


154  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

PlNK,  RED,  DOUBLE.      ClattlO.    Order  2.     Native  of 
Dianthus  rubeus. 


it  has  been  enlarged,  and  iu 
color  varied.  The  double-red  ia 
very  sweet  scented. 


WOMAN'S  LOVE. 

Each  Pink  sends  forth  its  choicest  sweet, 
Aurora's  warm  embrace  to  meet. 

M.  Robinson, 

SENTIMENT. 

What  is  man's  love?     His  vows  are  broke, 
Even  while  his  parting  kiss  is  warm ; — 

But  woman's  love  all  change  will  mock, 

And,  like  the  ivy  round  the  oak, 
Cling  closest  in  the  storm. 

And  well  the  poet,  at  her  shrine, 

May  bend  and  worship  while  he  woos; 

To  him  she  is  a  thing  divine, 

The  inspiration  of  his  line, 
His  loved  one,  and  his  muse. 

If  to  his  song  the  echo  rings 

Of  fame — 'tis  woman's  voice  he  hears; 
If  ever  from  his  lyre's  proud  strings 
Flow  sounds,  like  rush  of  angel  wings, — 
T  is  that  she  listens  while  he  sings, 

With  blended  smiles  and  tears. 

HalUck. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  io.> 

PlNK,  INDIAN.  Clatt  10.     Order  2.     The  flowers 

UMHb.  Z2£?z£*st%'z 

•centlesa. 

YOU  WILL  ALWAYS  BE  LOVELY. 

For  thee  in  autumn  blows 
The  Indian  Pink  and  latest  rose 
For  thee. 

Smith. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  loved  thee  for  thy  high-born  grace, 

Thy  deep  and  lustrous  eye — 
For  the  sweet  meaning  of  thy  brow, 

And  for  thy  bearing  high. 
I  loved  thee  for  thy  stainless  truth, 

Thy  thirst  for  higher  things, 
For  all  that  to  our  common  lot 

A  better  temper  brings. 
And  are  they  not  all  thine — still  thine? 

Is  not  thy  heart  as  true  ? 
Holds  not  thy  step  its  noble  grace? 

Thy  cheek  its  dainty  hue  ? 
And  have  I  not  an  ear  to  hear? 

And  a  cloudless  eye  to  see — 
And  a  thirst  for  beautiful  human  thought, 

That  first  was  stirred  by  thee? 

Willi*. 


166  FLORALS    INTERPRETER. 


PlNK,  MOUNTAIN.         ClaulO.    Order  2.  Native  of  lime- 
8tone  rockfl  and  mountains.     Flow- 

er    gweet  gcente<L 


ASPIRING. 

Carya's  sweet  smile  Dianthus  proud  admires. 

Darwin. 

SENTIMENT. 

The  world  may  scorn  me,  if  they  choose — I  care 
But  little  for  their  scoffings.     I  may  sink 
For  moments ;  but  I  rise  again,  nor  shrink 
From  doing  what  the  faithful  heart  inspires. 
I  will  not  flatter,  fawn,  nor  crouch,  nor  wink, 
At  what  high-mounted  wealth  or  power  desires: 
I  have  a  loftier  aim,  to  which  my  soul  aspires. 

Percival. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  157 

PINK,  WHITE  OR  VARIEGATED.   Clou    10.      Order 
Dianthus  albus,  or  varietagus.       ^ntifuUarietiJ'S 

the  Dianthus.  The 
root  of  this  genus  be- 
ing perennial,  it  is 
easily  cultivated,  and 
is  very  ornamental. 

YOU  ARE  FAIR  AND  FASCINATING. 

Deep  in  the  grove  beneath  the  secret  shade, 
A  various  wreath  of  odorous  flowers  she  made, 
Gay  motley  ed  Pinks  and  sweet  Jonquils  she  chose, 
All  sweet  to  sense— 
The  finished  chaplet  well  adorned  her  hair. 

Shentton*. 

SENTIMENT. 

Oh  fairest  of  the  rural  maids, 
Thy  birth  was  in  the  forest  shades; 
Green  boughs  and  glimpses  of  the  sky 
Were  all  that  met  thy  infant  eye. 

Thy  sports,  thy  wanderings,  when  a  child, 
Were  ever  in  the  sylvan  wild, 
And  all  the  beauty  of  the  place 
Is  in  thy  heart,  and  on  thy  face. 

The  twilight  of  the  trees  and  rocks 
Is  in  the  light  shade  of  thy  locks: 
Thy  step  is  as  the  wind,  that  weaves 
Its  playful  way  among  the  leaves. 

Thy  eyes  are  springs,  in  whose  serene 
And  silent  waters  heaven  is  seen; 
Their  lashes  are  the  herbs,  that  look 
On  their  young  figures  in  the  brook. 

The  forest  depths,  by  foot  unpressed, 
Are  not  more  sinless  than  thy  breast; 
The  holy  peace  that  fills  the  air 
Of  those  calm  solitudes,  is  there. 

14  .Bryant 


168  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

POLYANTHUS.  Order  5.  Class  1.   There  aie  few  of 

Primula    aurirula        ^  Benus  "»  America,  but  it  Is  mostly 

rnmwo,  auricula.     {*  ^  the  a]pine  regiong  of  Europ<f 

The"P.  auricula  is  a  native  of  the 
Alps,  originally  yellow,  but  when 
cultivated,  it  assumes  the  most  diver- 
sified colors.  Perennial 

PRIDE  OF  NEWLY  ACQUIRED  FORTUNE. 

See  Polyanthus,  in  full  clustered  pride, 

In  splendid  robes  of  rich  unnumbered  dyes, 

With  scorn  from  old  acquaintance  turn  aside. 

MattAtw 

SENTIMENT. 

Maiden,  go!  and  should  you  rue 
All  your  coldness  here  hath  done, 
Know  that  Nature,  ever  true, 
Will  not  now  desert  her  son: 
If  you  she  gave  the  cold  desire 
To  flaunt  in  Fortune's  glittering  train, 
For  me  she  framed  a  heart  ana  lyre, 
Which  will  «ot  let  me  live  in  vain. 
The  simple  chords  of  that  rude  lyre, 
The  plain  warm  homage  of  that  heart, 
Alike  were  yours; — and  shall  the  fire 
That  warmed  in  joy,  in  grief  depart? 

Maiden,  go!  I  will  not  call 

A  blush  again  to  shame  that  brow; 

But  may  you  in  the  festal  hall 

Be  tranquil  as  you  leave  me  now: 

Still  my  lot  in  life  must  be 

In  some  dim  secluded  spot, 

Undisturbed  by  thought  of  thee, 

Dreams  of  love  and  all  forgot; 

Yet  ne'er  the  Tajo's  sands  of  gold, 

Nor  all  the  treasures  of  the  deep 

Can  pay  you  for  the  peace  you  've  sold, 

Pleasant  dreams  and  quiet  sleep. 

-Vrw  E»tfand  Magazine. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  159 


PoPPT,  RED.  Clots  13.     Order  1.     An  European 

rhcUU.  «enu.g  °f  1  2,  «Pecies-there  are  al* 

two  in  the  Levant,  and  one  in  Bar 
bary,  and  one  in  Labrador. 

EVANESCENT  PLEASURE. 

But  pleasures  are  like  Poppies  spread; 
You  seize  the  flower,  its  bloom  is  shed. 

Burnt 

SENTIMENT. 

Time!  Time!—  in  thy  triumphal  flight, 

How  all  life's  phantoms  flee  away! 
The  smile  of  Hope  —  and  young  delight, 

Fame's  meteor  beam  —  and  Fancy  s  ray<< 
They  fade  —  and  on  thy  heaving  tide, 

Rolling  its  stormy  waves  afar, 
Are  borne  the  wrecks  of  human  pride  — 

The  broken  wrecks  of  Fortune's  war 

Where  hath  the  morning  splendor  flown, 

Which  danced  upon  the  crystal  stream? 
Where  are  the  joys  to  childhood  known, 

When  life  is  an  enchanted  dream? 
Enveloped  in  the  starless  night, 

Which  destiny  hath  overspread; 
Enrolled  upon  that  trackless  flight 

Where  the  dark  wing  of  Time  hath  sped. 

/.  6?.  Brock*. 


160  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


POPPY,  SCARLET.  Class  and  Order  as  the  preceding. 

Pa-paver  Th"  8Pecie8  "  Uie  wUd  P0^' 

ur™  found  in  cornfields,  etc. 

FANTASTIC  EXTRAVAGANCE. 

Poppy,  thy  charms  attract  the  vulgar  gaze, 
And  tempt  the  view  with  meretricious  blaze: 
Caught  by  the  glare,  with  pleasure  they  behold 
Thy  glowing  crimson  melting  into  gold. 
In  vain  to  nobler  minds  thy  lure  is  spread, 
Thy  painted  front,  thy  cup  of  glowing  red; 
Beneath  thy  bloom  such  noxious  vapors  lie, 
That,  when  obtained  and  smelt,  we  loathe  and  fly. 

Joseph  Taylor. 

SENTIMENT. 

Nor  yet  too  brightly  strive  to  blaze, 

By  stealing  all  the  rainbow  rays; 

Your  gaudy,  artificial  fly 

Will  only  take  the  younger  fry. 

Who  has  not  seen,  and  seeing  mourned, 

And  mourning  smiled,  and  smiling  scorned, 

In  wild  ambition  flaming  down, 

Some  comet  from  a  country  town? 

See,  see  her  in  her  motley  hues; 

Funereal  blacks  and  brimstone  blues, 

And  lurid  green,  and  bonfire  red, 

At  once  their  varied  radiance  shed; 

And  skin  deep  gold,  and  would  be  pearls, 

And  oh!  those  heaps  of  corkscrew  curls. 

O.  W.  Holmet, 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  161 

POPPY,  WHITE.  ClaulS.     Order  1.     The  white 


given,  because  the  flower  or  fruit 
of  the  poppy  was  formerly  mixed 
with  the  pap  given  to  children  in 
order  to  procure  sleep. 

FORGETFULNESS,  OR  CONSOLATION. 

There  poppies  white,  and  violets, 
Alcippus  on  the  altar  sets 
Of  quiet  sleep;  and  weaves  a  crown 
To  bring  the  gentle  god  adown. 

Fracattoro — trant. 

SENTIMENT. 

Will  you  drink  of  this  fountain,  and  sorrow  forget? 
Has  the  past  been  so  blest  that  you  hesitate  yet  ? 
Can  love,  when  't  is  slighted,  still  cherish  a  token, 
Or  hearts  still  forgive,  that  unkindness  has  broken? 

If  you  will  not  call  wo  and  reproach  on  his  name, 
Forget  him;  for  honor,  for  pride,  and  for  shame; 
And  if  passion  resist  every  feeble  endeavor, 
Drink  deep  of  the  wave,  and  forget  it  forever. 

Percival. 


ANSWER. 

1  never  will  curse  him,  I  never  must  bless, 
Though  if  anger  were  greater,  the  grief  would  be  less. 
I  have  suffered;  and  much,  ere  I  die,  must  bear  yet, 
But  I  cannot  forgive,  and  I  will  never  forget. 

Anon. 


164  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


PRIMROSE,  EVENING.      ClatsS.     Order  1.     Tree-prim- 

(Brtbr.  odorata. 


Good  Hope.  The  plant  is  two 
or  three  feet  high,  flowers  pale 
yellow;  open  very  suddenly. 


INCONSTANCY. 

A  tuft  of  evening  Primroses, 
O'er  which  the  wind  may  hover  till  it  dozes  ; 
O'er  which  it  well  might  take  a  pleasant  sleep, 
But  that  't  is  ever  startled  by  the  leap 
Of  buds  into  ripe  flowers. 

JTcafi 


SENTIMENT. 


If  e'er  I  win  a  parting  token, 

T  is  something  that  has  lost  its  power — 
A  chain  that  has  been  used  and  broken, 

A  ruined  glove,  a  faded  flower; 
Something  that  makes  my  pleasures  less, 
Something  that  means— -forgetfulness. 

And  yet  my  tears  are  little  worth ; 
For  could  I  win  a  seraph's  smile, 

To  light  me  through  this  weary  earth, 
T  would  tire  me  in  the  briefest  while ; 

For,  lady,  (is  it  very  wrong  ?) 

We  hate  yew  when  you  love  too  long. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  163 

PRIMROSE.  Clan  6.     Order  1.     Found  in  Europe  and 

Primula  America.     It  is  one  of  the  earliest  spring 

HAVE  CONFIDENCE  IN  ME. 

The  Primrose,  when  with  saxe  leaves  gotten  grace, 
Maids  as  a  true  love  in  their  bosom  place. 

W.  Brown*. 

SENTIMENT. 

What  though  the  world  has  whispered  thee  '  Beware!' 
Thou  dost  not  dream  of  change.    Nay,  do  not  speak, 
For  any  answer  would  imply  a  doubt 
In  love's  deep  confidence,  which  not  for  worlds 
Should  have  existence. 

There  's  many  a  shadow  resting  on  my  name; 
But  oh!  the  world's  false  voice  has  feeble  power 
When  love  asserts  his  empire. 

Robert  JUorru. 


164  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


PRIMROSE,  ROSE-COLORED.    Clou  5.    Order  i.  The 

Primula  general  character  of  the 

flowers  of  the  genus  Pri- 
nmla  is  a  calyx  of  one 
leaf — corolla  nionopeta- 
lous, — cut  half  way  down 
into  five  heart-shaped  seg- 
ments. 


UNPATRONISED  MERIT. 

The  Primrose,  tenant  of  the  glade, 
Emblem  of  virtue  in  the  shade. 

John  Mayne. 

• 
SENTIMENT. 

I  have  no  hand  to  cheer  me !    Was  there  one, 
Whom  I  must  ever  long  for — was  that  heart 
Still  mine  in  all  my  sorrows,  as  the  sun 
Wakens  a  slumbering  world, — she  might  impart 
New  being  to  me,  and  my  soul  would  start 
As  giants  from  their  sleep,  to  run  the  race 
Of  glory,  and  to  hurl  the  unerring  dart, 
Where  Victory  rears  her  palm  branch. 

Percival. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  166 


PRICKLY  PEAR.      Clast  12.     Order  1.     Native  of  South 

Cactus  America,  and  the  West  Indies.     There 

are  many  species,  from  creeping  shrubs 

to  trees  of  ten  feet  in  height     Flowers 

yellow,  white,  red,  and  pink  color. 


SATIRE. 

And  can  young  Beauty's  tender  heart 

Nurse  thoughts  of  scorn, 
As  on  the  Cactus'  greenest  leaves 

Protrudes  the  thorn? 


SENTIMENT. 

Ay,  curl  that  cherub  lip  in  scorn, 

And  give  to  wit  the  rein, 
And  barb  that  tongue  with  sarcasms  born 

From  thy  proud  heart's  disdain, 
In  mockery  of  one  who  erst 
Was  ever  foremost  of  the  first 

To  guard  thy  maiden  fame — 
One  who,  with  quick  adventurous  hand, 
Had  braved  the  proudest  of  the  land 

That  lightly  named  thy  name. 

And  yet  if  thou  canst  borrow, 

In  beauty's  mirthful  pride, 
Delight  from  friendship's  sorrow, — 

Smile  on,  I  will  not  chide; 
Yet,  ah,  methinks  it  were  more  kind, 
More  fraught  with  woman's  feeling  mind, 

To  hide  derision's  fang 
From  one,  who  even  now  would  dare 
More  than  life's  brittle  thread  would  bear, 

Ere  thou  shouldst  feel  one  pang. 

JV>u>  York  Mirror, 


166  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

QUEEN'S  HOCKET.  clas*  15-    Order  2-   Native 


only  found  in  North  America. 
Flowers  pale  purple  or  white; 
very  sweet,  but  exhaling  only 
in  the  evening. 


SHE  WILL  BE  FASHIONABLE. 

In  rival  pomp,  see  either  Rocket  blow, 
Bright  as  the  sun,  or  as  the  new-fallen  snow. 

EttHU. 

SENTIMENT. 

As  the  Spring,  in  native  beauty 

Painted,  charms  the  admiring  sight, 
Nor  the  gorgeous  garden  envies 

For  its  colors  rich  and  bright;  — 
As  the  streamlet,  gently  murmuring, 

Winds  along  its  devious  way, 
Beautiful,  though  art  has  never 

Taught  its  waters  how  to  stray;  — 
So  her  native  grace  and  beauty 

Best  becomes  each  charming  maid; 
Cupid  justly  holds  suspected 

Dress  too  artfully  displayed. 

Mv>  England  Magazint,  Vol.  IL 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  167 


ROSE,  AUSTRIAN.  Clots  12.    Order  13.   Agenusof 

Rosa  tricolor.  nearly  60  species,  chiefly  indige- 

nous  to  Europe.     A  few  species 

found  in  Japan  and  India,  and  nine 

or  ten  in  North  America. 


THOU  ART  VERY  LOVELY. 

Rose,  thou  art  the  sweetest  flower 
That  ever  drank  the  amber  shower! 
Rose,  thou  art  the  fondest  child 
Of  dimpled  Spring!  the  wood-nymph  wild! 

Jlnacrton. 

SENTIMENT. 

Oh!    thou,  who  art  the  fairest  of  earth's  daughters, 
Delighted  could  I  sit  a  summer's  day, 
To  drink  the  music  of  thy  lips  away, 
Gushing  their  careless  melody  as  waters: 

And  while  I  gazed  upon  thy  full  blue  eyes, 
Still  listening  to  thy  passion-kindling  songs, 

Deem  myself  happiest  of  thy  votaries. 
Thus  while  the  morning  lark  his  notes  prolongs, 

Lists  the  rapt  bard,  and,  bending  to  the  skies, 
Sends  up  the  incense  of  a  grateful  heart, 

For  such  a  gleam  of  heavenly  ecstasies! 
Oh!  beautiful  in  feature  as  thou  art, 

More  beautiful  in  mind — my  thoughts  of  thee 

Shall  live  in  Love's  undying  memory. 


ANSWER. 

Love 

Has  lent  life's  wings  a  rosy  hue; 
But,  ah!  Love's  dyes  were  caught  above; 
They  brighten — but  they  wither  too 


168  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


ROSE.  BRIDAL.  Class  and  Order  same  as  the  fore- 

/?*//)«<?  *Mafn1iti9  8oinfr     Rose  Bridal  is  of  the  genus 

Kubus  rosajolius.  ^^  which  indude  .  the  Branible 

family.     Flowers    white,    usually 
double,  small  and  very  beautiful. 


HAPPY  LOVE. 

And  all  is  ecstasy;  for  now 
The  valley  holds  its  feast  of  roses, 
That  joyous  time,  when  pleasures  pour 
Profusely  round,  and  in  their  shower 
Hearts  open  like  the  season's  rose. 

Moore. 


SENTIMENT. 

Thefloioer  which  on  Life's  desert  grows, 
Unheeded  in  its  young  repose, 
Till  the  mind's  ray  its  shadows  break, 
And  youthful  thoughts  their  pinions  take; 
That  lives  the  same  through  changing  years, 
Through  smiles  of  joy  —  through  Sorrow's  tears: 
Ay,  hopes  may  vanish  as  a  dream; 
Joys  bring  no  warmth  upon  their  beam; 
It  will  bloom  on,  though  all  should  flee, 
Changeless  as  angel  purity;  — 
Thai  flower  is  Love. 

The  shrine  where  Life's  sweet  flowers  are  laid, 
Ere  a  cold  world  has  bid  them  fade; 
Where  beauty  in  her  bloom  attends, 
And  Hope  in  gay  devotion  bends, 
And  the  young  soul's  unburdened  wings 
Go  forth  in  joyous  wanderings;  — 
That  shrine  is  Love. 

American  Ladies'  Magazine. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  169 


ROSA,  BURGUNDY.  Native  of  Europe.     A  dwarf 

shrub.     *      -     " 
small. 


Rosa  parvifolia.  "hrub-     Leaflet  fine.    Flowe« 


SIMPLICITY  AND  BEAUTY. 
The  Rose  is  fairest  when  't  is  budding  new. 


SENTIMENT. 

New  England's  daughters  need  not  envy  those 
Who  in  a  monarch's  court  their  jewels  wear: 
More  lovely  they,  when  but  a  simple  rose 
Glows  through  the  golden  clusters  of  their  hair. 
Could  light  of  diamonds  make  her  look  more  fair, 
Who  moves  in  beauty  through  the  mazy  dance, 
With  buoyant  feet  that  seem  to  skim  the  air, 
And  eyes  that  whisper  in  each  gentle  glance 
The  poetry  of  youth,  love's  sweet  and  short  romance? 

Mrs.  Little. 

ANSWER. 

Beauty  and  Love — their  emblems  are  flowers! 
Their  date  of  existence  is  numbered  by  hours. 

Mr*.  Hal*. 

15 


J70  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


ROSE,  CAROLINA.      Shrubs  six  or  seven  feet  high.    Flow- 

Rosa  Carolina.          era  crimflon>  ^s8' 


LOVE  IS  DANGEROUS. 

I  sent  thee  late  a  rosy  wreath — 
But  thou  thereon  didst  only  breathe, 
And  sent  it  back  to  me. 

Ben  Johnson. 

SENTIMENT. 

Yes,  Love  is  but  a  dangerous  guest 

For  hearts  as  young  as  thine, 
Where  youth's  unshadowed  joys  should  rest, 

Life's  spring-time  fancies  shine. 

Then,  sweetest,  leave  the  wildering  dream, 

Till  Time  has  nerved  thy  heart 
To  brook  the  fitful  cloud  and  gleam, 

Which  must  in  love  have  part. 

Ah!  life  has  many  a  blessed  hour 

That  passion  never  knows, 
And  youth  may  gather  many  a  flower 

Beside  the  blushing  rose. 

Mrt.  Osgood. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  171 


ROSE,  DAILY. 
Rosa  quotidiana. 


LEVITY. 


Thou  blushing  rose! — 

Blown  in  the  morning — thou  shall  fade  ere  noon: 
What  boots  a  life  that  in  such  haste  forsakes  thee  1 
Thou  'rt  wondrous  frolic  being  to  die  so  soon, 
And  passing  proud  a  little  color  makes  thee. 

Sir  Richard  Fanshaw. 

SENTIMENT. 

And  thou,  with  girlish  glee,  wilt  go 
To  kneel  at  pleasure's  shrine, 

Nor  e'er  a  thought  on  him  bestow, 
Whose  every  thought  is  thine. 

The  idlers  who  around  thee  press, 
With  careless  praise  will  dwell 

Upon  that  face  whose  loveliness 
My  tongue  could  never  tell. 

Those  charms  which  my  affections  won, 

The  mind  that  I  adore, 
The  form  I  still  could  gaze  upon 

Till  life  itself  were  o'er: 

Each  winning  look,  each  winning  smile, 

That  I  have  loved  so  long, 
Will  then  some  trifling  fop  beguile, 

Or  charm  a  heartless  throng. 

But  why  do  I  at  ills  repine, 
Which  still  I  may  not  meet? 

This  heart,  whose  every  pulse  is  thine, 
Ere  then  may  cease  to  beat! 

And  still  thou  'It  move  where'er  are  met 

The  careless  and  the  gay, 
And  soon  my  memory  forget, 

When  I  have  passed  away. 

Token  for  1829 


72  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

ROSE,  DAMASK.        The   rfamriak  or   rhunasrtna   row  wa- 

Rosa  damasccna.        |^ '(["vas^trin^Vnited  "into  'h-li  v'  and 
France.     Flowers  whito  and  red. 

YOUTH. 

Like  the  damask,  rose  you  sec, 
Or  like  the  blossom  on  the  tree, 
Or  like  the  dainty  flowers  of  May, 
Or  like  the  morning  to  the  day, — 
Even  such  is  life. 

Blackburne. 

SENTIMENT. 

Let  us  prize  the  rose, 
In  the  unclouded  morning  of  this  day, 
Which  soon  will  lose  its  bright  serenity! 
O,  let  us  prize  the  first-blown  rose  of  love; 
Let  us  love  now,  in  this  our  fairest  youth, 
When  love  can  find  a  full  and  fond  return. 

Percival. 

ANSWER. 

When  the  air  is  lightest, 
And  the  sky  is  brightest, 
Art  thou  in  the  garden,  talking  to  a  flower? 

C.  Edward*. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  173 


ROSE,  DEEP-RED.  TMa  is  the  wild  fiwcot  rose,  im- 

Rosarubor.  Proved  h>'  Cllltiv:it»"'-.  It  is  the 

most  common  species  in  our  gar- 
dens. 

BASHFUL  SHAME. 

In  velvet  lips  the  bashful  rose  begun 
To  show  and  catch  the  kisses  of  the  sun: 
Some  fuller  blown,  their  crimson  honors  shed: 
Sweet  smell  the  golden  chives  that  graced  their  head. 

Gawin  Dcuglas. 
SENTIMENT. 

Alas!  that  in  our  earliest  blush 

Our  danger  first  we  feel, 
And  tremble  when  the  rising  flush 

Betrays  some  angel's  seal! 
Alas!   for  care  and  pallid  wo 

Sit  watchers  in  their  turn, 
Where  heaven's  too  faint  and  transient  glow 

So  soon  forgets  to  burn! 

Maiden!  through  every  change  the  same 

Sweet  semblance  thou  mayst  wear; 
Ay,  scorch  thy  very  soul  with  shame, 

Thy  brow  may  still  be  fair: 
But  if  thy  lovely  cheek  forget 

The  rose  of  purer  years — 
Say,  does  not  memory  sometimes  wet 

That  changeless  cheek  with  tears? 

O.  W.  Holmet. 

ANSWER. 

On  Beauty's  lids,  the  gem-like  tear 

Oft  sheds  its  evanescent  ray, 
But  scarce  is  seen  to  sparkle,  ere 

'Tis  chased  by  beaming  smiles  away: 
Just  so  the  blush  is  formed — and  flies — 

Nor  owns  reflection's  calm  control: 
It  comes,  it  deepens — fades  and  dies, 

A  gush  of  feeling  from  the  soul. 

15*  Mrs.  Cmnie* 


174  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


ROSE,  HUNDRED-LEAVED.      This  magnificent  rose  is  a 

t>non    .n/n/iT  IZn  native  of  the  southern  parts 

Rosa  centlfoha.  Of  Europe.   The  Mlvetro* 

belongs  to  tliis  species.    Its 

colors  vary    from    crimson 

to  pink  und  purple. 

DIGNITY  OF  MIND. 

Thou  queen  of  flowers, 
Of  thousand  leaves, 

And  throne  surrounded  by  protecting  thorn — • 
Thou  heaven-born  rose! 

KUitt. 


SENTIMENT. 

What 's  the  brow, 

Or  the  eye's  lustre,  or  the  step  of  air, 
Or  color,  but  the  beautiful  links  that  chain 
The  mind  from  its  rare  element?     There  lies 
A  talisman  in  intellect,  which  yields 
Celestial  music,  when  the  master  hand 
Touches  it  cunningly.     It  sleeps  beneath 
The  outward  semblance,  and  to  common  sight 
Is  an  invisible  and  hidden  thing; 
But  when  the  lip  is  faded,  and  the  form 
Witches  the  sense  no  more,  and  human  love 
Falters  in  its  idolatry,  this  spell 
Will  hold  its  strength  unbroken,  and  go  on 
Stealing  anew  the  affections. 

Willi 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER  175 

H.OSE,  DAMASK.  Native   of   Syria    and    Damascus, 

Rosa  damOSCena.  *°y*  .naturalized  in  Europe.     It 

is   dehciously   sweet     Flowers  a 

beautiful  pink,  verging  towards  a 

purple. 


BASHFUL  LOVE. 

Ah,  see  the  virgin  rose,  how  sweetly  she 
Doth  first  put  forth  with  bashful  modesty, 
That  fairer  seems  the  less  ye  see  her  may. 


SENTIMENT. 

Before  the  winning  breeze  could  steal 

Morn's  sprinkled  pearl-drops  from  the  rose, 

I  culled  it,  that  it  might  reveal 
The  tale  my  lips  dare  not  disclose. 

Its  leaves  of  virgin  tenderness, 

Where  I  have  pressed  a  kiss  for  the«, — 
Its  blush  of  maiden  bashfulness, 

Both  tell  of  love  and  secrecy. 

F.S.HilL 


176  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


,       OSS.         Native  of  the   south  of  Fairope.     Stem 
«  „  three  or  four  feet  high— (lowers  at  the  top 

flt-sa  muscosa.       of  (ho  ^ranch  hrg^  very  fragrant>  of  £ 

bright  crimson  hue — flowers  double. 
SUPERIOR  MERIT. 

The  moss  rose  that,  at  fall  of  dew, 
Was  freshly  gathered  from  its  stem, 
She  values  as  a  ruby  gem. 

Cottage  Girl. 

SENTIMENT. 

It  is  sure, 

Stamped  by  the  seal  of  nature,  that  the  well 
Of  Mind,  where  all  its  waters  gather  pure, 
Shall  with  unquestioned  spell  all  hearts  allure. 
Wisdom  enshrined  in  beauty — O!  how  high 
The  order  of  that  loveliness. 

Percival. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  177 

H.OSE  BUD.    (JJ/OSS.)          A  rote  bud  jnst  opening,  accord- 

Rosa  muscosa.  ^p.10  .Berk'ey>8  Utopia,  u  • 

declaration  of  love. 
CONFESSION. 

The  gentle  budding  rose,  quoth  she,  behold, 
That  first  scant  peeping  forth  with  morning  beams, 
Halt' ope,  half  shut,  her  beauties  doth  unfold 
In  its  fair  leaves,  and  less  seen  fairer  seems. 

Fairfax. 

SENTIMENT. 

The  sporting  sylphs  that  course  the  air, 
Unseen,  on  wings  that  twilight  weaves, 

Around  the  opening  rose  repair, 

And  breathe  sweet  incense  o'er  its  leaves 

With  sparkling  cups  of  bubbles  made, 
They  catch  the  ruddy  beams  (if  day, 

And  steal  the  rainbow's  sweeter  shade, 
Their  blushing  favorite  to  array. 

They  gather  gems  with  sunbeams  bright, 
From  Boating  clouds  and  falling  showers; 

They  rob  Aurora's  locks  of  light, 

To  grace  their  own  fair  queen  of  flowers. 

Thus,  thus  adorned,  the  speaking  rose 

Becomes  a  token  fit  to  tell 
Of  things  that  words  can  ne'er  disclose, 

And  nought  but  this  reveal  s*o  well. 

Then  take  my  flower,  and  let  its  leaves 
Beside  thy  heart  be  cherished  near, 

While  that  confiding  heart  receives 
The  thought  it  whispers  to  thine  ear. 

Token,  18SO 


178  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER 

ROSE,  CHINA.         Native  of  Japan  and   China.      It  u  « 
J>*a*    v..,7/;/7^^^          shrub  of  luxuriant  growth,   flowers  in 

Rosa  multiflora.      clugter8)  gaid  to  be  white  ^  China>  but 

here  they  are  pink. 

* 

GRACE. 

Resplendent  rose/  the  flower  of  flowers, 
Whose  breath  perfumes  Olympus'  bowers, 
Whose  virgin  blush  of  chastened  dye 
Enchants  so  much  our  mental  eye. 

Greek  Poet — trans,  by  Moore. 

SENTIMENT. 

Oh,  say  not,  wisest  of  all  the  kings 

That  have  risen  on  Israel's  throne  to  reign — 

Say  not,  as  one  of  your  wisest  things, 
That  grace  is  false,  and  beauty  vain! 

Is  beauty  vain,  because  it  will  fade  ? 

Then  are  earth's  green  robe  and  heaven's  light 

vain; 
For  this  shall  be  lost  in  evening's  shade, 

And  that  in  winter's  sleety  rain. 

But  earth's  green  mantle,  pranked  with  flowers, 
Is  the  couch  where  life  with  joy  reposes; 

And  heaven  gives  down,  with  its  light  and  showers, 
To  regale  them,  fruits — to  deck  them,  roses. 

And  while  opening  flowers  in  such  beauty  spread, 
And  ripening  frtiits  so  gracefully  swing, — 

Say  not,  O  king,  as  you  just  now  said, 
That  beauty  or  grace  is  a  worthless  thing. 

Pierpont. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  179 

ROSE,  MUNDI.  An  American  rose,  being  a  variety  of 

striped  or  variegated  with  red  and  white, 
YOU  ARE  MERRY. 

Thou  blooming  rose! — 

Blown  in  the  morning — thou  shalt  die  ere  noon: 
What  boots  a  life  that  in  such  haste  forsakes  thee? 
Thou  'rt  wondrous  frolic  being  to  die  so  soon, 
And  passing  proud  a  little  color  makes  thee. 

Sir  Richard  Fanshau.. 

SENTIMENT. 

The  merry  heart,  the  merry  heart, 

Of  heaven's  gift  I  hold  thee  best; 

And  they  who  feel  its  pleasant  throb, 

Though  dark  their  lot,  are  truly  blest. — 

From  youth  to  age  it  changes  not, 

In  joy  and  sorrow  still  the  same ; 

When  skies  are  dark,  and  tempests  scowl, 

It  shines  a  steady  beacon  flame. 

It  gives  to  Beauty  half  its  power, 

The  nameless  charms  worth  all  the  rest— 

The  light  that  dances  o'er  a  face, 

And  speaks  of  sunshine  in  the  breast. 

If  Beauty  ne'er  have  set  her  seal, 

It  well  supplies  her  absence  too, 

And  many  a  cheek  looks  passing  fair, 

Because  a  merry  heart  shines  through. 

JVew  England  Magazine,  PM.  L 


180  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


ROSE,  MuSK.        Tb°  mask  rose  b  exceedingly  beautiful. 

Rosa  moscliata      Natiye  of  Barbar>'.  ™d  fro»>  ils  l*^ 

the  essential  oil  is  obtained,  called  •  Otto 
of  Roses.' 


CHARMING. 

As  Venus  wandered  midst  the  Idalian  bower, 
And  watched  the  loves  and  graces  round  her  play, 
She  plucked  a  musk  rose  from  its  dew-bent  spray, 
1  And  this,'  she  cried,  '  shall  be  my  favorite  flower; 
For  o'er  its  crimson  leaflets  I  will  shower 
Dissolving  sweets,  to  steal  the  soul  away.' 


SENTIMENT. 

Lady,  I  've  looked  upon  thy  face; 
And  beauty,  kindness,  virtue,  grace, 

Have  all  combined  to  make  thee  fair. 
O!  may  thy  fortunes  be  as  bright 
As  are  those  eyes,  whose  gentle  light 

Thy  features  now  so  softly  wear. 

U.  S.  Literary  Gazette. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  18  1 


,  RED.  Then;  is  no  emblem  more  significant 

Rosa  rubrifolia.  °r  >'oul!l>  b,ca"ly*  ™d  "!no???c?» 

than  a  rose-inul.     Tha  rubrifolia  u 
a  native  of  North  America. 

HAY  YOU  EVER  BE  PURE  AND  LOVELY. 

Be  your  heart  as  pure, 
Your  check  as  bright 
As  the  spring  rose. 

Miss  London. 

SENTIMENT. 


I  would  that  thou  mightst  ever  be 

As  beautiful  as  now; 
That  time  might  ever  leave  as  free 

Thy  yet  unwritten  brow! 
I  would  life  were  all  poetry, 

To  gentle  measures  set, 
That  nought  but  chastened  melody 

Might  dim  thine  eye  of  jet. 
I  would  —  but  deeper  things  than  these 

With  woman's  lot  are  wove, 
Wrought  with  intenser  sympathies, 

And  nerved  by  purer  love. 
By  the  strong  spirit's  discipline, 

By  the  fierce  wrong  forgiven, 
By  all  that  wrings  the  heart  of  sin, 

Is  woman  won  to  heaven. 
I  fear  thy  gentle  loveliness, 

Thy  witching  tone  and  air, 
And  thine  eyes'  beseeching  earnestness, 

May  be  to  thee  a  snare  ; 
For  silver  stars  may  purely  shine, 

The  waters  taintless  flow; 
But  they  who  kneel  at  woman's  shrine, 

Breathe  on  it  as  they  bow. 
£"e  may  fling  back  the  gift  again, 

But  the  crushed  flower  will  leave  a  stain. 


16 


182  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

ROSE,  RED-LEAVED.  Native  of  Switzerland  and  Sa- 

Rosa  rubrifolia.  v^  ^^che^'leaves  Ha/fa 

and  tube  of  the  calyx  are  more 
or  less  tinged  with  red. 


BEAUTY  AND  PROSPERITY. 

Here  this  rose', 
sh  blown,)  shall 
For  that  like  it  her  blush  is  beauti 


(This  one  fresh  blown,)  shall  be  my  Mary's  portion, 
'.ful. 


Barry  Cornwall. 
SENTIMENT. 

Thou  art  beautiful,  young  lady; — 

But  I  need  not  tell  thee  this, 
For  few  have  borne  unconsciously 

Their  spell  of  loveliness; 
And  thou  art  very  happy, 

For  life's  sky  is  bright  above  thee, 
Affection's  smile  is  round  thee, 

And  all  who  know  thee  love  thee. 

Thou  art  not  here — and  yet  methinks 

Thy  form  is  floating  by, 
With  the  dark  tress  shading  pleasantly 

The  softly  brilliant  eye: 
A  smile  is  sleeping  on  thy  lip — 

And  a  faint  blush  melting  through 
The  light  of  thy  transparent  cheek, 

Like  a  rose-leaf  bathed  in  dew. 

/.  O.  mittier. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  183 

ROSE,  CHINESE,  DARK.  Native  of  China,  but  natu- 

Rosa  semperflorens.  ™\™din  Europe.    Leaf- 

lets    of   a    dark    shining 
green.     Flowers  solitary. 

FORSAKEN. 

Go,  lovely  rose, 
Tell  her  that  wastes  her  time  and  me, 

That  now  she  knows, 
When  I  resemble  her  to  thee, 
How  sweet  and  fair  she  seems  to  be. 

Then  die!  that  she, 
The  common  fate  of  all  things  rare, 

May  read  in  thee, 

How  small  a  part  of  time  they  share, 
That  are  so  wondrous  sweet  and  fair. 

Walltr. 

SENTIMENT. 

Farewell!  the  tie  is  broken.     Thou 
With  all  thou  wert  to  me  hast  parted: 

I  feel  it  on  my  burning  brow, 

I  would  not  else  be  broken-hearted. 

I  may  not  weep — I  cannot  sigh, 
A  weight  is  pressing  on  my  breast; 

A  breath  breathes  on  me  witheringly; 
My  tears  are  dry,  my  sighs  supprest, 
I  almost  wish  my  spirit  were  at  rest. 

Farewell!  I  've  loved  thee  much! — I  feei 

That  my  idolatry  was  deep; 
I  know  my  heart  can  never  heal, 

Till  in  the  grave  my  passions  sleep. 
Yet  I  upbraid  thee  not,  my  love; 

T  was  all  I  had  to  offer  thee, 
Love  in  its  own  simplicity. 

How  could  I  deem  thou  wouldst  approve, 

How  hope  to  draw  an  angel  from  above. 

Will*. 


184  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

ROSE-BUD,  WHITE. 
Rosa  alba. 

TOO  YOUNG  TO  LOVE. 

Untouched  upon  its  thorny  stem, 
Hangs  the  pale  rose  unfolding. 

•Hurcfu. 

SENTIMENT. 

Turn  to  thy  books,  my  gentle  girl — 
They  will  not  dim  thine  eyes; 

That  hair  will  all  as  richly  curl, 
That  blush  as  sweetly  rise. 

Turn  to  thy  friends — a  smile  as  fond, 

On  friendship's  lip  may  be, 
And  breathing  from  a  heart  as  warm 

As  love  can  ofler  thec. 

Turn  to  thy  home!  affection  wreathes 

Her  dearest  garland  there; 
And,  more  than  all,  a.  mother  breathes 

For  thee — for  thce,  her  prayer. 

Too  soon— oh!  all  too  soon  will  come 

In  later  years  the  spell, 
Touching  with  changing  hues  thy  path, 

Where  once  but  sunlight  fell. 

Mrs.  Otgood. 


TLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  185 


ROSE,  WHITE.  T^10  rose  was  sacred  to  Venus,  and  the 

Rosa  alia.  faMewiys,  w;is  originally  white,  but  the 

goddess  buing  wounded  by  a  thorn,  liiA 
blood 

On  the  while  rose  being  shed, 
Wade  it  lurcvcr  niter  red. 

SADNESS. 

The  bonnie  white  rose,  it  is  withering  and  a'. 
Allan  Cunningham. 

SENTIMENT. 

We  have  long  dreamed  of  happiness,  long  known 
Joys  which  were  more  than  mortal,  long  have  felt 
The  bliss  of  mingled  hearts  and  blended  souls, 
And  long  have  thought  the  vision  was  eternal: 
It  vanishes,  and  now  I  am  a  wretch, 
And  what  will  be  thy  sorrows  none  can  tell. 

PeropoJ. 

ANSWER. 

My  heart  is  with  its  early  dream; 

It  cannot  turn  away 
To  seek  again  the  joys  of  earth, 

And  mingle  with  the  gay. 
The  dew-nursed  flower  that  lifts  its  brow 

Beneath  the  shades  of  night, 
Must  wither  when  the  sunbeam  sheds 

Its  too  resplendent  light. 
My  heart  is  with  its  early  dream, 

And  vainly  love's  soft  power 
Would  seek  to  charm  that  heart  anew, 

In  some  unguarded  hour. 
I  would  not  that  some  gentle  one 

Should  hear  my  frequent  sigh; 
The  deer  that  bears  its  death-wound,  turns 

In  loneliness  to  die. 

Mr*.  Embury. 
16* 


186  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


ROSE,  WHITE,  (withered.}      Native   of  Europe       The 
'„  'v  '      bush  is  five  or  six  ft  et  high. 

ba.  Leaves  dark  green.     Flow- 

ers usually  pure  white,  but 
sometimes  tinged  with  a 
delicate  blush. 


I  AM  IN  DESPAIR. 

A  single  rose  is  shedding 

Its  lovely  lustre  meek  and  pale: 

It  looks  as  planted  by  despair — 

So  white,  so  faint — the  slightest  gale 

Might  whirl  the  leaves  on  high. 

Byron. 

SENTIMENT. 

O,  life  and  all  its  charms  decay, 

Alluring,  cheating,  on  they  go; 
The  stream  forever  steals  away 

In  one  irrevocable  flow: 
Its  dearest  charms,  the  charms  of  love, 

Are  brightest  in  their  bud,  and  die ; 
Whene'er  their  tender  bloom  we  move, 

We  touch  the  leaves,  they  withered  lie. 

And  on,  with  many  a  step  of  pain, 

Our  weary  race  is  sadly  run;  , 

And  still,  as  on  we  plod  our  way, 
We  find,  as  life's  gay  dreams  depart, 

To  close  our  being's  troubled  day, 
Nought  left  us  but  a  broken  heart. 

PercivaL 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  /87 


.loSE,  T  HORNLESS.  Native  of  Switzerland  and  North 

•$  Amerfca.     The  stem  is  five  or 

six  feet  high,  without  a  prickle— 
and  Lemaistre  asaerta  that  the 
thorns  on  the  other  species  have 
been  produced  by  cultivation — 
hence  the  emblem,  ingratitude. 
Flowers  crimson. 


INGRATITUDE. 

We  eye  the  rose  upon  the  brier, 
Unmindful  that  the  thorn  is  near. 

Burnt. 

SENTIMENT. 

No!  it  is  not  for  wasted  days  I  pine, 

Nor  for  my  slandered  youth's  long  banishment, 
Not  for  the  wand  of  fame,  so  coldly  mine; 

It  seemeth  but  a  thorn  in  malice  rent 
From  its  right  root,  to  wound  my  heart's  content: 
My  foes  I  scorn  and  tread  on — but  my  wo 
Is  the  cold  hollowness  of  friends  to  know. 

A.  A  Lock* 


188  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


ROSE,  YELLOW.     .  T^6  vcjjow  ro*e  'w  n  nativc  of  Tta|y- 

D          i   tff1  Thi'Y  arc  both  single  and   double; 

and  'have  the  odor  of  a  pine-apple. 


LET  US  FORGET. 

I  never  heard 

Of  any  true  affection,  but  't  was  nipt 
With  care,  that  like  the  caterpillar  eats 
The  leaves  of  the  spring's  sweetest  book  —  the  rose. 

Middlcton. 

SENTIMENT. 

I  look  upon  the  fading  flowers 

Thou  gavest  me,  lady,  in  thy  mirth, 
And  mourn,  that  with  the  perishing  hours 

Such  fair  things  perish  from  the  earth; 
For  thus,  I  know,  the  moment's  feeling 

Its  own  light  web  of  life  unweaves, 
The  dearest  trace  from  memory  stealing, 

Like  perfume  from  their  dying  leaves  — 
The  thought  that  gave  it,  and  the  flower, 
Alike  the  creatures  of  an  hour. 

And  thus  it  better  were,  perhaps  — 
For  feeling  is  the  nurse  of  pain, 

And  joys  that  linger  in  their  lapse 
Must  die  at  last  —  and  so  are  vain. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  189 

ROSE,  YORK  AND  LANCASTER.   This   species  was   the 
Rosa  versicola.  common  ,log-  rose,-the 

red     adopted     by    the 
house    of  Lancaster— 
the  white    by   tliat   of 
York. 
WAR. 

Long  wns  the  strife  your  ancient  hail 
In  Britain's  hapless  land  pursued; 
Which  for  a  whole  revolving  age 
Drenched  cither  rose  in  kindred  blood. 

Fable  of  the  White  and  Red  Rose. 

SENTIMENT. 

Love,  we  part  but  to  meet, 

When  our  foes  shall  be  trodden  like  dust  at  our  feet 
No  felti-rs,  no  tyrants  our  souls  shall  enslave, 
While  the  ocean  shall  roll,  or  the  harvest  shall  wave. 
We  go,  to  return  when  the  strife  shall  he  done, 
When  the  field  shall  be  fought,  and  the  battle  be  won; 
When  the  sceptre  is  smitten,  and  broken  the  chain, 
We  come  back  in  freedom,  or  come  not  again. 
Ours  are  no  hirelings  trained  to  the  fight, 
With  cymbal  and  clariot,  all  glittering  and  bright, 
No  prancing  of  chargers,  no  martial  display, 
No  war-trump  is  heard  from  our  silent  array; 
O'er  the  proud  heads  of  freemen  our  star-banner  waves , 
Men  firm  as  their  mountains,  and  still  as  their  graves, 
To-morrow  shall  pour  out  their  life-blood  like  rain; — 
We  come  back  in  triumph,  or  come  not  again. 

No  fearing,  no  doubting,  thy  soldier  shall  know, 
When  here  stands  his  country,  and  yonder  her  foe; 
One  look  at  the  bright  sun,  one  prayer  to  the  sky, 
One  glance  where  our  banner  floats  glorious  on  high: 
Then  on,  as  the  young  lion  bounds  on  his  prey; 
Let  the  sword  flash  on  high,  fling  the  scabbard  away ; 
Roll  on,  like  the  thunderbolt  over  the  plain! — 
We  come  back  in  glory,  or  come  not  again. 

Thomas  Gray,  Jr. 


190  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

ROSE,  CAMPION.  (Corn-Cockle.)      Clan   10. 


in  cornfields. 

LOVE'S  MESSENGERS. 

Yonder  is  a  girl,  who  lingers 
Where  wild  honeysuckle  grows, 
Mingled  with  the  brier  Rose. 

H.  Smith. 

SENTIMENT. 

Do  you  like  letter-reading  ?     If  you  do, 

I  have  some  twenty  dozen  very  pretty  ones: 

Gay,  sober,  rapturous,  solemn,  very  true, 
And  very  lying  stupid  ones,  and  witty  ones; 

On  gilt-edged  paper,  blue  perhaps, or  pink, 

And  frequently  in  fancy-colored  ink. 

And  then  the  seals — a  silver  crescent  moon, 
With  half  a  line  of  melting  French  or  Latin ; 

The  flower  which  has  an  eye  as  bright  as  noon, 
And  leaf  as  delicate  as  softest  satin, 

Called  the  'Forget-me-not,'  but  known  as  well 

By  twenty  names  I  cannot  stop  to  tell. 

A  leaf  with  half  a  dozen  words,  that  mean 
'  I  only  change  in  death ; '  a  gentle  dove, 

With  an  Italian  motto.     You  have  seen 
Fifty  such,  if  you  've  ever  been  in  love, 

And  had  occasion  to  write  billet-doux, 

Or  had  them  written  in  return  to  you. 

Sargtnt 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  191 


ROSEMARY.  Class  2.    Order  1.     Indigenous 

flosemortntW  OJficinalis.  \°  Eur°Pe-  A!J  ^ergreen  shrub 
Leaves  smooth,  dark  green  and 
shining.  Flowers  axillary. 

REMEMBRANCE. 

There  's  rosemary,  that  's  for  remembrance; 
Pray  you,  love,  remember. 

Shakspeare. 

SENTIMENT. 

There  are  moments  in  life  that  are  never  forgot, 
Which  brighten,  and  brighten,  as  time  steals  away; 
They  give  a  new  charm  to  the  happiest  lot, 
And  they  shine  on  the  gloom  of  the  loneliest  day  : 
These  moments  are  hallowed  by  smiles  and  by  tears, 
The  first  look  of  love,  and  the  last  parting  given. 

Percival. 

ANSWER. 

But  then  to  part!  to  part  when  Time 

Has  wreathed  his  tireless  wing  with  flowers, 
And  spread  the  richness  of  a  clime 

Of  fairy  o'er  this  land  of  ours. 
When  glistening  leaves  and  shaded  streams 

In  the  soft  light  of  autumn  lay, 
And,  like  the  music  of  our  dreams, 

The  viewless  breezes  seemed  to  stray  — 
T  was  bitter  then  to  rend  the  heart 

With  the  sad  thought  that  we  must  part: 
And,  like  some  low  and  mournful  spell, 

To  whisper  but  one  word  —  farewell. 

Park  Benjamin. 


192  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


R.UE.  C7os*10.    Order  I.     Indigenous  to  Eu- 

J?«if/»  rr^nwenleno       rope,  but  naturalized  in  America.     The 

Ruta  graveolens.     wQ'fl  hcrb  haa  an  ncri(J  pungcnt  8meU 

Flowera  are  a  dull  yellow. 


DISDAIN. 

Here  did  she  drop  a  tear;  here  in  this  place 
I  '11  set  a  bank  of  Rue,  sour  herb  of  grace. 

Shakspeare. 


SENTIMENT. 

I  am  one, 

Who  finds  within  me  a  nobility 
That  spurns  the  idle  pratings  of  the  great, 
And  their  mean  boast  of  what  their  fathers  were, 
While  they  themselves  are  fools  effeminate, 
The  scorn  of  all  who  know  the  worth  of  mind 
And  virtue. 

PtrcivaL 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  193 

SAFFRON  Clots  17.     Order  1.    Indigenous 

Carthamus  tinctorius.       »°   Europe   and   India.     Flowers 

yellow.      The    species    coerulius 

baa  blue  flowers. 


MARRIAGE. 

They  shall  wear 

The  Bridal  Saffron;  all  their  locks  shall  bloom 
With  garlands;  and  their  blazing  nuptial  torches, 
And  hymeneal  songs,  prepare  the  way. 

MUman. 

SENTIMENT. 

Far  from  the  home  of  thy  young  days, 

Thy  lot  calls  thee; 
Far  from  the  looks  of  love  that  girdled  round 

Thy  infancy. 

Thou  givest  up  thy  unstained  heart, 

A  priceless  dower; 
Its  treasures  lavishing,  as  summer  clouds 

Their  fulness  pour. 

Thy  smile  shall  fill  thy  husband's  home 

With  sunlike  rays; 
And  on  that  virgin  brow  shall  light 

The  matron's  grace. 

The  thought  of  duties  well  performed 

Shall  wing  thine  hours; 
And  new  affections  in  thy  heart 

Shall  spring  like  flowers. 

JV.  E.  Magazint,  VaL  EL 


194  FLORA'S  INTERPRETED. 

SAGE.  Class  2.    Order  1.    A  large  genus,  ami 

e    /   '*  «/K   .\,~7,'o        widely  disseminated   over   the   world. 

Salvia  officinahs.     ,n  w/rm  regiona  the  flowerg  are  large 

and   beautiful.      The   common  garden 
sage  is  medicinal.     Flowers  bluish. 


DOMESTIC  VIRTUES. 

Cur  moriatur  homo,  cui  salvia  crescit  in  hortol 
How  can  a  man  die  in  whose  garden  there  grows  sage  ? 

Old  Proverb. 


SENTIMENT. 

Howe'er  the  sceptic  scoffs,  the  poet  sighs, 
Hope  oft  reveals  her  dimly  shadowed  dreams; 
And  seraph  joy  descends  from  pale  blue  skies, 
And,  like  sweet  sunset  on  wood-skirted  streams, 
Peace  breathes  around  her  stilling  harmonies, 
Her  whispered  music, — while  her  soft  eye  beams; 
And  the  deep  bliss  that  crowns  the  household  hearth, 
From  all  its  woes  redeems  the  bleeding  earth. 

Hail!  ye  fair  charities !  the  mellow  showers 
Of  the  heart's  spring-time!  from  your  rosy  breath 
The  way-worn  pilgrim,  though  the  tempest  lowers, 
Breathes  a  new  being  in  the  realms  of  death, 
And  bears  the  burden  of  life's  darker  hours, 
With  cheerless  aspect  o'er  the  lonely  heath, 
That  spreads  between  us  and  the  unfading  clime 
Where  true  Love  triumphs  o'er  the  death  of  Time. 

8.  L.  Fairfid>L 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  195 

SCABIOUS.  Class  4.  ^Order  1.     Native  of 

Scabiosa  atro-purpurea.     ]^*^v^we&-?crto™w 

pic,  red,  and  variegated.  The 
dark  purple  has  been  called 
'  Mourning  Bride.' 

UNFORTUNATE  ATTACHMENT. 

The  Scabious  blooms  in  sad  array, 
A  mourner  in  her  spring. 

Anon. 

SENTIMENT. 

My  heart  too  firmly  trusted,  fondly  gave  " 

ItsHf  to  all  its  tenderness  a  slave; 

I  had  no  wish  but  thee,  and  only  thee; 

I  knew  no  happiness  but  only  while 

Thy  love-lit  eyes  were  kindly  turned  on  me. 

But  thou  hast  gone,  and  left  me  here  to  bear 
The  weight  of  loneliness. 

Percival. 

ANSWER. 

The  human  heart!  't  is  a  thing  that  lives 

In  the  light  of  many  a  shrine; 
And  the  gem  of  its  own  pure  feelings  gives 

Too  oft  on  brows  that  are  false  to  shine 
It  has  many  a  cloud  of  care  and  wo 

To  shadow  o'er  its  springs, 
And  the  One  above  alone  may  know 

The  changing  tune  of  its  thousand  strings. 
Mrs    L.P  Smith. 


196  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


SENSITIVE  PLANT.      Classie.    Order  10.    Nativeoftha 
Tlfimr,    i  ctmviiinn  East  and  West  Indies,  and  South 

Mimosa  sensiliva.         America  Tj]ere  are  severa,  spcde9< 

Flowers  pale  purple,  contracting  at 
night,  and  also  when  touched. 

SENSITIVENESS. 

Weak  with  nice  sense  the  chaste  Mimosa  stands, 
And  from  each  touch  withdraws  her  timid  hands; 
Oft  as  light  clouds  o'erpass  the  summer  glade, 
Alarmed  she  trembles  at  the  moving  shade. 

Darwin. 

SENTIMENT. 

Like  the  Mimosa  shrinking  from 

The  blight  of  some  familiar  finger — 
Like  flowers  which  but  in  secret  bloom, 

Where  aye  the  sheltered  shadows  linger, 
And  which  beneath  the  hot  noon-ray 
Would  fold  their  leaves  and  fade  away — 
The  flowers  of  Love  in  secret  cherished, 
In  loneliness  and  silence  nourished, 

Shrink  backward  from  the  searching  eye, 
Until  the  stem  whereon  they  flourished, 
Their  shrine,  the  human  heart,  has  perished, 

Although  themselves  may  never  die. 

ft          *****          *  * 

Life's  sunniest  hours  are  not  without 
The  shadow  of  some  lingering  doubt — 
Amid  its  brightest  joys  will  steal 
Spectres  of  evil  yet  to  feel — 

Its  warmest  love  is  blent  with  fears, 
Its  confidence  a  trembling  one — 

Its  smile — the  harbinger  of  tears — 
Its  hope — the  change  of  April's  sun! 
A  weary  lot — in  mercy  given, 
To  fit  the  chastened  soul  for  heaven. 

J.  G.  Whittier. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  197 


StfOW-BALL.  Clou  6.    Order  3.    A  gonna  found 

Viburnum  OVUlllS.  in    Enr°Pe>    America,  and   Japan. 

The  kind  we  cultivate  is  the  Euro- 
pean shrub.  Cymes  large.  Flowers 
white,  berries  scarlet. 

THOUGHTS  OF  HEAVEN. 

The  snow-flower  tall ; 
And  throwing  up  into  the  darkest  gloom 
Of  neighboring  cypress,  or  more  sable  yew, 
Her  silver  lobes,  light  as  the  foa  aing  surf 
That  the  wind  severs  from  the  .  roken  wave. 

Cowper. 

SENTIMENT. 

Should  sorrow  o'er  thy  brow 

Its  darkened  shadow  fling, 
And  hopes  that  cheer  thee  now, 

Die  in  their  early  spring; 
Should  pleasure,  at  its  birth, 

Fade  like  the  hues  of  even, 
Turn  thou  away  from  earth — 

There  's  rest  for  thee  in  heaven. 

If  ever  life  should  seem 

To  thee  a  toilsome  way, 
And  gladness  cease  to  beam 

Upon  its  clouded  day: — 
'     If,  like  the  weary  dove, 

O'er  shoreless  ocean  driven, 
Raise  thou  thine  eyes  above — 

There  'a  rest  for  thee  in  heaven 

But  O,  if  thornless  flowers 

Throughout  thy  pathway  bloom, 
And  gayly  fleet  ttie  hours, 

Unstained  by  earthly  gloom; — 
Still  let  not  every  thought 

To  this  poor  world  be  given, 
Nor  always  be  forgot 

Thy  better  rest  in  heaven. 

17*  /.  H.  Bright 


198  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

SNOW-DROP.  Class6.    Order  I.   Native  of  Europe. 

GalantkuS  Ilivalis.       yzr\™\c™   Tlowcrs   whltTa/'iiiilk^ 

and    the  earliest  that  appear  hi   the 

upring. 

FRIENDSHIP  IN  ADVERSITY. 

The  snow-drop,  herald  of  Jhe  spring, 
In  st(  rm  or  sunshine  born. 

Bernard  Barton. 

SENTIMENT. 

We  part — 

But  this  shall  be  a  token  thou  hast  been 
A  friend  to  him  who  plucked  these  lovely  flowers, 
And  sent  them  as  (^tribute  to  a  friend, 
And  a  remembrance  of  the  few  kind  hours 
Which  lightened  on  the  darkness  of  my  path. 

The  friend 

Who  smiles  when  smoothing  down  the  lonely  couch, 
And  does  kind  deeds,  which  any  one  can  do 
Who  has  a  feeling  spirit, — such  a  friend 
Heals  with  a  searching  balsam. 

Percival. 


'S  INTERPRETER  199 


SORREL,  WiLD.      Class  10.     Order  6.     A  large  genus 
OxallS  found  in  Europe,  America,  and  the  Cape 

of  Good  Hope.  There  is  a  species  in 
Virginia  with  pink,  lilac,  or  bright  yel- 
low flowers — farther  north  it  is  pale 
yellow,  delicately  penciled  with  pink  or 
purple. 


PARENTAL  AFFECTION. 

Sorrel,  that  hangs  her  cups, 
Ere  their  frail  form  and  streaky  veins  decay, 
O'er  her  pale  verdure,  till  parental  care 
Inclines  the  shortening  stems,  and  to  the  shade 
Of  closing  leaves  her  infant  race  withdraws. 

Gitborne. 

SENTIMENT. 

• 

The  sea  of  ambition  is  tempest-tost, 
And  thy  hopes  may  vanish  like  foam; 

But  when  sails  are  shivered  and  rudder  lost, 
Then  look  to  the  light  of  home ; — 

And  there,  like  a  star  through  the  midnight  cloud, 
Thou  shall  see  the  beacon  bright; 

For  never,  till  shining  on  thy  shroud, 
Can  be  quenched  its  holy  light. 

The  sun  of  fame — 't  will  gild  the  name, 

But  the  heart  ne'er  felt  its  ray; 
And  fashion's  smiles,  that  rich  ones  claim, 

Are  but  beams  of  a  wintry  day. 

And  how  cold  and  dim  those  beams  would  be, 
Should  life's  wretched  wanderer  come! 

But,  my  son,  when  the  world  is  dark  to  thee, 
Then  turn  to  the  light  of  home. 

Jllr*.  Half. 


200  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


SPEEDWELL.  Class  2.    Order  1.    Common  to  Europe, 

America,  and  Northern  Asia.  The  Vir- 
ginia Speedwell  is  very  beautiful.  Flow- 
era  white,  blue,  blush-colored,  or  purple. 


FEMALE  FIDELITY. 

I  saw  upon  the  mountain  height, 

And  mid  the  mountain  air, 
Veronica  her  flowers  put  forth, 

As  garden  blossoms  fair,  — 
Like  faithful  love  that  blooms  to  bless 
A  palace  or  a  wilderness. 

Anon, 

SENTIMENT. 

The  mild  deep  gentleness,  the  smile  that  throws 
Light  from  tfie  bosom  o'er  the  pure  pale  brow, 
And  cheek  that  flushes  like  the  May-morn  rose; 
The  all  reposing  sympathies  that  grow 
Like  violets  in  the  heart,  and  o'er  our  woes 
The  silent  breathings  of  their  beauty  throw. 
Oh!  every  deed  of  daily  life  doth  prove 
The  depth,  the  strength,  the  truth  of  woman's  love. 

Then  side  by  side,  hearts  wedded  in  their  youth, 
In  their  meek  blessedness  expand  and  glow; 
And  though  the  world  be  faithless,  still  their  truth 
No  pause,  no  change,  no  soil  of  time  they  know! 
They  hold  communion  with  a  world  in  sooth, 
Beyond  the  stain  of  sin,  the  waste  of  wo; 
And  the  deep  sanctities  of  well-spent  hours 
Crown  their  fair  fame  with  Eden's  deathless  flowera. 

8.  L.  FairJUld. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  201 

STAR  OF  BETHLEHEM.       Class  6.    Order  i.    An  ex- 


Siberia,  and  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope.  Umbellatum  is  the  only 
American  species.  Roots  bul- 
bous. Flowers  white.  Six 
petals  —  no  calyx. 


RECONCILIATION. 

Pale  as  the  pensive  cloistered  nun, 
The  Bethlehem  Star  her  face  unveils, 
When  o'er  the  mountain  peers  the  sun, 
But  shades  it  from  the  vesper  gales. 


SENTIMENT. 

I  trust  the  frown  thy  features  wear, 

Ere  long  into  a  smile  will  turn; 
I  would  not  that  a  face  as  fair 

As  thine,  beloved,  should  look  so  stern; 
The  chain  of  ice  that  winter  binds, 

Holds  not  for  aye  the  sparkling  rill; 
It  melts  away  when  summer  shines, 

And  leaves  the  waters  sparkling  still: 
Thus  let  thy  cheek  resume  the  smile 

That  shed  such  sunny  light  before; 
And  though  I  left  thee  for  a  while, 

I  '11  vow  to  leave  thee   love,  no  more. 

Wm.  Leggett. 


202  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


ST.  JOHN'S  WORT.         Class  18-     Order  4.     A  genus  of 
at  least  one  hundred  species,  dis- 

perged  oyer  the  wor,d     Flower8 

yellow   and    brilliant.     The  plant 
possesses  medical  properties. 


ANIMOSITY. 

Hypericum  was  there,  the  herb  of  war, 
Pierced  through  with  wounds,  and  seamed  with  many  a  scar. 

Garland  of  Flcra. 

SENTIMENT. 

Let  my  curse  be  upon  him  — 

The  faithless  of  heart! 
liet  the  smiles  that  have  won  him, 

In  frowning  depart! 
Let  his  last  cherished  blossom 

Of  sympathy  die, 
And  the  hopes  of  his  bosom 

In  shadows  go  by! 
Ay,  curse  him  —  but  keep 

The  poor  boon  of  his  breath, 
Till  he  sigh  for  the  sleep 

And  the  quiet  of  death! 
Let  a  viewless  one  haunt  him 

With  whispers  and  jeer, 
And  an  evil  one  daunt  him 

With  phantoms  of  fear. 
Be  the  fiend  unforgiving 

That  follows  his  tread; 
Let  him  walk  with  the  living, 

Yet  gaze  on  the  dead. 

/.  O.  Wkittier. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  203 

SUMACH,  VENICE.       Class  5.    Order  3.    A  pretty  exten- 
RIlUS  COtinuS.  8ive  genus>  an<1  found  "»  a"  temperate 

climates.  The  species  cultivated  in 
gardens  has  elongated,  feathery  foot- 
stalks. Flowers  greenish  or  purplish; 
berries  red.  The  leaves  and  stalks, 
when  bruised,  aromatic. 

INTELLECTUAL  EXCELLENCE. 

Yes,  charms  may  live  when  youth  is  past, 
More  pure  than  decked  its  brightest  hours; 

Like  Rhus,  that  shows,  in  autumn's  blast, 
A  fruitage  fairer  than  the  flowers 

An*  . 


SENTIMENT. 

Ay,  for  the  soul  is  better  than  its  frame, 
The  spirit  than  its  temple.     Beauty  gives 
The  features  perfectness,  and  to  the  form 
Its  delicate  proportions:  she  may  stain 
The  eye  with  a  celestial  blue — the  cheek 
With  carmine  of  the  sunset;  she  may  breathe 
Grace  into  every  motion,  like  the  play 
Of  the  least  visible  tissue  of  a  cloud: 
She  may  give  all  that  is  within  her  own 
Bright  cestus — and  one  glance  of  intellect, 
Like  stronger  magic,  will  outshine  it  all. 

The  glory  of  the  human  form 
Is  but  a  perishing  thing,  and  Love  will  droop 
When  its  brief  grace  hath  faded.     But  the  mind 
Perisheth  not,  and  when  the  outward  charm 
Hath  had  its  brief  existence,  it  awakes, 
And  is  the  lovelier  that  it  slept  so  long. 

WiUi» 


204  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER 

SUN-FLOWER,  DWARF.  Class  19.     Order  3.     Ex- 


cies  in  India  and  Egypt. 
The  Jndicus  is  cultivated  in 
gardens.  Flowers  bright 
yellow,  and  turn  with  the 
sun. 


YOUR  DEVOUT  ADORER. 

The  Sun-flower  turns  to  her  god,  when  he  sets, 
The  same  look  which  she  turned  when  he  rose. 

Moore. 

SENTIMENT. 

As  turns 

The  flower  to  meet  the  sun, 
E'en  though,  when  clouds  and  storms  arise, 
It  be  not  shone  upon, — 
Thus,  dear  one,  in  thine  eyes  I  see 
The  only  light  that  beams  for  me. 

As  thinks 

The  mariner  of  home, 

When  doomed  through  many  a  dreary  waste 
Of  waters  yet  to  roam, — 
Thus  doth  my  spirit  turn  to  thee, 
My  guiding  star  o'er  life's  wild  sea. 

As  bends 

The  Persian  at  the  shrine 
Of  his  resplendent  god,  to  watch 
His  earliest  glories  shine ; 
Thus  doth  my  spirit  bow  to  thee, 
My  heart's  own  radiant  deity. 

Mn.  Embury. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  205 


SUN-FLOWER,  TALL.     Same  class  and  order  as  preced- 

Heliantkus  annuus.         *«•    Native  o{.  M™co  a"d  Pern- 

III  those  countries  it  is  said  to  grovr 
to  the  hejght  of  twenty  feet,  and 
the  flowers  are  two  feet  broad. 

LOFTY  AND  PURE  THOUGHTS. 

Great  Ifclianlhus  climbs  the  upland  lawn, 
And  bows  in  homage  to  the  rising  dawn; 
Imbibes  with  eagle  eye  the  golden  ray, 
And  watches,  as  it  moves,  the  orb  of  day. 

Darwin. 

SENTIMENT. 

She  had  a  mind, 

Deep  and  immortal,  and  it  would  not  feed 
On  pageantry.     She  thirsted  for  a  spring 
Of  a  serener  element,  and  drank 
Philosophy,  and  for  a  little  while 
She  was  allayed,  till  presently  it  turned 
Bitter  within  her,  and  her  spirit  grew 
Faint  for  undying  waters.     Then  she  came 
To  the  pure  fount  of  God — and  is  ut hirst 
No  more — save,  when  the  '  fever  of  the -world* 
Falleth  upon  her,  she  will  go  and  breathe 
A  holy  aspiration  alter  heaven. 

Willu. 
18 


206  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

SWEET  BRIER.          Class  12.     Order  13.     The  American 

Rosa  suaveolcns. 

fragrant 

SIMPLICITY. 

Yes,  lovely  flower,  I  find  in  thee         . 

Wild  sweetness  which  no  words  express, 
And  charms  in  thy  simplicity, 

That  dwell  not  in  the  pride  of  dress. 

John  Langhorne. 

SENTIMENT. 

Oh,  much  I  fear  thy  guileless  heart,  its  earnestness  of  feeling, 
Its  passions  and  its  sympathies  to  every  eye  revealing — 
I  tremble  for  that  winning  smile,  and  trusting  glance  of  thine, 
And  pray  that  none  but  faithful  ones  may  bow  before  thy  shrine. 

Oh!  when  the  breath  of  flattery  is  warm  upon  thine  ear, 
And  manly  brows  are  bending  in  humble  homage  near, 
May  no  dream  of  tenderness  arise,  which  earth  may  not  fulfil, 
And  uo  fountain  open  in  thy  heart,  which  Time  hath  power  to 
chill. 

»  /.  O.  FTAtttier. 


THE    POESY    OF    FLOWERS.  207 


SWEET  WlLLIAM.  Clots  10.  Order  2.  The  speciei 
Diatltkus  barbatUS.  D'  barbatm  i'^'genous  to  Germa- 
ny, but  naturalized  in  our  country. 
Flowers  aggregate,  one  stem  sup- 
porting a  large  and  brilliant  bunch 
of  blossoms.  Root  perennial. 


A  SMILE. 

I  like  this  flower,  Sweet  William,  on  its  leaf 

The  smile  the  giver  wore  I  see, 
And  though  that  smile,  so  sweet,  was  passing  brief 

This  simple  flower  can  fix  its  memory. 

Anon, 


SENTIMENT. 

A  human  smile!  how  beautiful! 

Sometimes  its  blissful  presence  seems 
Sweet  as  the  gentle 'airs  which  lull 
To  sleep  the  holy  flowers  of  Gul, 

Which  blossom  in  the  Persian's  dreams: 

A  lovely  light  whene'er  it  beams 
On  beauty's  brow,  in  beauty's  eye, 
And  not  one  token  lingers  nigh, 
On  lip,  or  eye,  or  cheek  unbidden, 
To  tell  of  anguish  vainly  hidden! 
But  oh,  there  is  a  smile  which  steals 

Sometimes  upon  the  brow  of  care, 
And,  like  the  north's  cold  light,  reveals 

But  gathering  darkness  there. 
You  've  seen  the  lightning-flash  at  night 

Play  briefly  o'er  its  cloudy  pile, 
The  moonshine  tremble  on  the  height, 
Where  winter  glistens  cold  and  bright ; 
And  like  that  flash,  and  like  that  light, 

Is  sorrow's  vain  and  heartless  smile! 

/.  G.  Whittitr. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


STRINGA,  CAROLINA.      Class  12.    Order  i.    ThisBpe- 


Pkiladelpkus  inodorus.     cie9  of  'heu  •»?*  pranS°  »  a 

•  naUve  of  the   Southern   States. 

Flowers  scentless,  large,  four 
white  oval  petals,  spreading  open. 
The  species  grandiftorus  in  found 
also  at  the  South. 


DISAPPOINTMENT. 

Not  every  flower  that  blossoms  bright, 

Diffuses  sweets  around; 
Not  every  scene  hope  gilds  with  light, 

Will  lair  be  found. 


SENTIMENT. 

They  are  mockery  all  —  these  skies,  these  skies, 

Their  untroubled  depth  of  blue  — 
They  are  mockery  all  —  those  eyes,  those  eyes, 

Which  seem  so  warm  and  true; 
Each  tranquil  star  in  the  one  that  lies, 
Each  meteor  glance  that  at  random  flies 

The  other's  lashes  through! 
They  are  mockery  all,  these  flowers  of  spring, 

Which  her  airs  so  softly  woo  — 
And  the  love  to  which  we  would  madly  cling, 

Ay,  it  is  mockery  too! 
The  winds  are  false  which  the  perfume  stir, 

And  the  looks  deceive  which  we  sue; 
And  love  but  leads  to  the  sepulchre, 

Which  flowers  spring  to  strew. 


FLORA  S    INTERPRETER.  209 


THISTLE,  COMMON.  Class  19.  Order  1.   This  large 

Carduus  cameolatus.          6en.us  is  J*11™1 »  th«  temperate 

regions  of  the  Northern  hemis- 
phere, chiefly  in  Europe.  Flow- 
ers purple. 

MISANTHROPY. 

Tough  Tfiistle  choked  the  fields,  and  killed  the  corn, 
And  an  unthrifty  crop  of  weeds  was  born. 

Dryden. 

SENTIBIENT. 

Had  I  but  pearls  of  price — did  golden  piles 
Of  hoarded  wealth  swell  in  my  treasury, 

Easy  I  'd  win  the  fawning  flatterer's  smiles, 
And  bend  the  sturdiest  Stoic's  iron  knee; 
For  gold  alone  buys  this  world's  courtesy. 

I  grieve  not  that  my  gold  could  buy  their  grace, 

But  that  a  man  should  need  a  toy  so  base. 

Oh!  for  an  island  in  the  boundless  deep, 

Where  rumor  of  the  world  might  never  come: 

Oh!  for  a  cave  where  weltering  waves  might  keep 
Eternal  music — round  which  night-winds  roam, 
Mixing  incessant  with  the  surging  foam: 

Here  might  I  rest  and  smile  in  liberty, 

Forgotten  live,  since  I  unwept  must  die. 

A .  A.  Locke, 

ANSWER. 

'T  is  not  well 

To  let  the  spirit  brood 
Thus  darkly  o'er  the  cares  that  swell 

Life's  current  to  a  flood. 
As  brooks,  and  torrents,  rivers,  all 
Increase  the  gulf  in  which  they  fall, 
Such  thoughts,  by  gathering  up  the  rills 
Of  lesser  griefs,  spread  real  ills; 
And  with  their  gloomy  shades  conceal 
The  land-marks  Hope  would  else  reveal. 

18*  Mrs,  Dinniet. 


210  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


THORN  APPLE.  Class  5.     Order  1.     Found  in 

Dutura  stramonium.         fur°Pe;  but  Probf ly  ?  native  of 

South  America,  tliough  now  nat- 
uralized in  Europe  and  the  East 
Flowers  white  and  blue,  very 
beautiful,  but  poisonous  The 
plant  has  lately  been  used  as  a 
medicine,  and  appears  to  operate 
specifically  upon  the  optic  nerve 
of  the  eye. 

I  DREAMED  OF  THEE. 

Canst  thou  give  visions  of  futurity, 
Stramonium,  in  the  deep  and  death-like  trance 
Thy  potent  spell  upon  the  spirit  binds? 
Let  them  be  pleasant.     I  would  die  in  hope. 

Anon. 

SENTIMENT. 

Thy  head  was  on  my  shoulder  leaning; 

Thy  hand  in  mine  was  gently  prest; 
Thine  eyes,  so  soft,  and  full  of  meaning, 

Were  bent  on  me,  and  I  was  blest. 
No  word  was  spoken — all  was  feeling, 

The  silent  transport  of  the  heart; 
The  tear  that  o'er  thy  cheek  was  stealing, 

Told  what  words  could  ne'er  impart. 
And  could  this  be  but  mere  illusion? 

Could  fancy  all  so  real  seem? 
Here  fancy's  scenes  are  wild  confusion; 

And  can  it  be  I  did  but  dream? 

I  'm  sure  I  felt  thy  forehead  pressing, 

Thy  very  breath  stole  o'er  my  cheek; 
I  'm  sure  I  saw  those  eyes  confessing 

What  the  tongue  could  never  speak. 
Ah!  no,  't  is  gone,  't  is  gone,  and  never 

Mine  such  waking  bliss  can  be ; 
Oh,  I  would  sleep,  would  sleep  forever, 

Could  I  thus  but  dream  of  thee. 

Fritbt*. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  211 

THYME.  Class  14.      Order  1.     A  genus  in- 

Thymw  serpyllum.        dio'™°«*  to  the  South  of  Europe. 

fj  naturalized   in    America  and   hug- 

land.      Flowers  blue   and  purple; 
stems  creeping. 

TIIRIFTLNESS. 

The  thrifty  Thyme  a  home  can  find, 

Where  smiles  the  sun,  and  breathes  the  wind. 

Anon. 

SENTIMENT. 

The  churl  who  holds  it  heresy  to  think, 
Who  loves  no  music  but  the  dollar's  clink, 
Who  laughs  to  scorn  the  wisdom  of  the  schools, 
And  deems  the  first  of  poets  first  of  fools, 
Who  never  found  what  good  from  science  grew, 
Save  the  grand  truth,  that  one  and  one  make  two,— 
'T  is  he,  across  whose  brain  scarce  dares  to  creep 
Aught  put  thrift's  parent  pair — to  get,  to  keep! 

How  cold  he  hearkens  to  some  bankrupt's  wo, 
Nods  his  wise  head,  and  cries — '  I  told  you  so; 
'  The  thriftless  fellow  lived  beyond  his  means, 
1  He  must  buy  brants — I  made  my  folks  eat  beans.' 

Sprague. 
ANSWER. 

Ye  may  plant  the  living  flowers 

Where  the  living  fountains  glide, 
And  beneath  the  rosy  bowers 

Let  the  selfish  man  abide: 
And  the  birds  upon  the  wing, 

And  the  barks  upon  the  wave, 
Shall  no  sense  of  freedom  bring; — 

All  is  slavery  to  the  slave: 
Mammon's  close-linked  bonds  have  bound  him, 

Self-imposed  and  seldom  burst; 
Though  heaven's  waters  gushed  around  him, 

He  would  pine  with  earth's  poor  thirst. 

Mrt.  Halt. 


212  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


TUBEROSE.  Class  2.     Order  6.     Native  of  th» 

tuberosa. 


with  pink  —  resembles  a  hyacinth  — 
very  odoriferous.     Corolla  monope- 
taloua.     No  calyx.     Root  perennial. 
A  SWEET  VOICE. 

Eternal  spring,  with  smiling  verdure  here, 
Warms  the  mild  air,  and  crowns  the  youthful  year: 
Tho  Tuberose  ever  breathes,  and  violets  blow. 

GartA. 

SENTIMENT. 

If  you  have  seen  a  summer  star, 
Liquidly  soft,  and  faintly  far, 
Beaming  a  smiling  glance  on  earth, 
As  if  it  watched  the  floweret's  birth,  — 
Then  you  have  seen  a  light  less  fair 
Than  that  young  maiden's  glances  were. 
Dark  fell  her  tresses;  —  you  have  seen 

A  rent  cloud  tossing  in  the  air, 
And  showing  the  pure  sky  between 

Its  floating  fragments,  here  and  there,— 
Then  you  may  fancy,  faintly,  how 
The  falling  tress  —  the  ring-like  curl, 
Disclosed  or  shadowed  o'er  the  brow 
And  neck  of  that  fair  girl. 
Her  cheek  was  delicately  thin, 
And  through  its  pure,  transparent  white, 
The  rose  hue  wandered  out  and  in, 
As  you  have  seen  the  inconstant  light 
Flush  o'er  the  northen  sky  of  night. 
Her  playful  lip  was  gently  full, 

Soft  curving  to  the  graceful  chin, 
And  colored  like  the  fruit  which  glows 
Upon  the  sunned  pomegranate  boughs; 
And  oh,  her  soft,  low  voice  might  lull 

The  spirit  to  a  dream  of  bliss, 
As  if  the  voices,  sweet  and  bland, 
Which  murmur  in  the  seraph  land, 
Were  warbling  in  a  world  like  this. 

/.  G.  Wliittier 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER  213 

TULIP,  RED.  Class  6.    Order  1.    Nativeofger- 

T.tJ;*™          « />W/*«/t          "a-     Flowers    in   their   wild    state 

Tuhpa  gesnenana.      crimsop  rQrolla  beluhaped  ^  gix 

petals.    No  calyx.     Sweet-scented. 
A  DECLARATION  OF  LOVE. 

Tulip — whose  leaves,  with  their  ruby  glow, 
Hide  the  heart  that  lies  burning  and  black  below. 

SENTIMENT. 

If  spirits,  pure  as  those  who  kneel 

Around  the  throne  of  light  above, 
The  power  of  beauty's  spell  could  feel, 

And  lose  a  heaven  for  woman's  love,'— - 
What  marvel  that  a  heart  like  mine 

Enraptured  by  thy  charms  should  be! 
Forget  to  bend  at  glory's  shrine, 

And  lose  itself — ay  heaven — for  thee! 

Memorial 

ANSWER. 

What  is  a  poet's  love? 

To  write  a  girl  a  sonnet; 
To  get  a  ring,  or  some  such  thing, 

And  fustianize  upon  it. 


Trust  not  to  them  who  say, 

In  stanzas,  they  adore  thee; 
O,  rather  sleep  in  churchyard  clay, 

With  maudlin  cherubs  o'er  thee ! 

O.  W.  Holm**. 


214  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


TULIP,  VARIEGATED.  Class  and  Order  as  the  preced 
"*  The  Incthod  of  making  a 
tulip  variegated  or  striped,  is  by 
transplanting  them  from  a  rich 
soil  to  one  meagre  and  sandy. 
It  weakens  the  plant. 


BEAUTIFUL  EYES. 

Tulips  with  every  color  that  shines 

In  the  radiant  gems  of  Serendib's  mines. 

Garland  of  Flora, 

SENTIMENT. 

The-bright  black  eye,  the  melting  blue, 
I  cannot  choose  between  the  two. 
Ah!  many  lids  Love  lurks  between, 
Nor  heeds  the  coloring  of  his  screen; 
And  when  his  random  arrows  fly, 
The  victim  falls,  but  knows  not  why. 
Gaze  not  upon  his  shield  of  jet, 
The  shaft  upon  the  string  is  set; 
Look  not  beneath  his  azure  veil, 
Though  every  limb  were  cased  in  mail. 

Well,  both  might  make  a  martyr  break 
The  chain  that  bound  him  to  the  stake; 
And  both,  with  but  a  single  ray, 
Can  melt  our  very  hearts  away; 
And  both,  when  balanced,  hardly  seem 
To  stir  the  scales,  or  rock  the  beam; 
But  that  is  dearest,  all  the  while, 
Which  wears  for  us  the  sweetest  smile. 

O.  W.  Holme* 


FLORA'S    INTERPRETER.  216 


TULIP  TREE.  Clou    IS.     Order   13.     The 

Liriodendron  tulipifera.     An'orica»  TuliP  *e°.  or  ye»°w 

r  J  poplar,  bears  a  flower  resem- 

bling a  small  tulip,  variegated 
with  yellow  and  orange.  The 
batk  of  this  tree  is  aromatic, 
and  it  is  celebrated  besides  for 
iu  size  and  beauty. 

FAME. 

Fame's  bright  star,  and  glory's  swell, 
In  the  flowers  of  the  Tulip  tree  are  given. 

Percival. 

SENTIMENT. 

Come!  shake  your  trammels  off!  let  fools  rehearse 
Their  loves  nnd  ruptures  in  unmeaning  chime; 
Cram  close  their  crude  conceits,  in  mawkish  verse, 
And  torture  hackneyed  thoughts  in  tuneless  rhyme; 
But  tliou  shall  soar  in  glorious  verse  sublime! 
With  heavenly  voice  of  music,  strength  and  fire, 
Waft  wide  the  wonders  of  thy  native  clime; 
Witli  patriot  pride  each  patriot  heart  inspire, 
Till  Europe's  bards  are  mute  before  Columbia's  lyre. 

'T  is  true  no  fairies  haunt  our  '  verdant  meads,' 

No  grinning  imps  deform  our  blazing  hearth: 

Beneath  the  kelpies'  fang  no  traveller  bleeds, 

Nt  gory  vampires  taint  our  holy  earth, 

No  spectres  stalk  to  frighten  harmless  mirth, 

Nor  tortured  demon  howls  amid  the  gaie; 

Fair  reason  checks  those  monsters  in  their  birth; 

Yet  have  we  lay.of  love  and  horrid  tale, 

Would  dim  the  manliest  eye,  and  make  the  bravest  pale. 

And  there  are  scenes  to  touch  the  poet's  soul, 

And  deeds  of  arms  to  wake  the  lordly  strain. 

Shall  Hudson's  billows  unregarded  roll? 

Has  Warren  fought,  Montgomery  died  in  vain  ? 

Shame!  that  w  ile  every  mountain,  shore  and  plain, 

Hath  theme  for  truth's  proud  voice,  or  fancv's  wand, 

No  native  bard  the  patriot  harp  hath  ta'en, 

But  left  to  minstrel  of  a  foreign  strand 

To  sing  the  beauteous  scenes  of  Nature's  loveliest  land! 

J.  R.  f^rnfc*. 


216  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


VERVAIN.  Clast  14-     Order  2.      An   American 

fs,  f  nt  „          genus  with  one  exception,  the  species 
fastata.         *ffioinalitt  found  in  Europe.     Flowen. 
^    deep  or  pale   blue,   abundant  in   our 
north-western  territories. 


SENSIBILITY. 

Verbena,  in  thy  pensive  grace, 

The  emblem  of  the  feeling  heart  I  trace. 

Anon. 

SENTIMENT. 

Gentle  as  angel's  ministry 

The  guiding  hand  oflove  should  be, 

Which  seeks  again  those  chords  to  bind 

Which  human  wo  hath  rent  apart  — 
To  heal  again  the  wounded  mind, 

And  bind  anew  the  broken  heart. 
The  hand  which  tunes  to  harmony 
The  cunning  harp  whose  strings  are  riven, 
Must  move  as  light  and  quietly 
As  that  meek  breath  of  summer  heaven, 
Which  woke  of  old  its  melody;  — 
And  kindness  to  the  dim  of  soul, 
Whilst  aught  of  rude  and  stern  control 

The  clouded  heart  can  deeply  feel, 
Is  welcome  as  the  odors  fanned 
From  some  unseen  and  flowery  land, 

Around  the  weary  seaman's  keel. 

/.  G.  Wkiitier. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  217 


VERNAL  GRASS.  Clots  3.  Order  2.  Native  of  Europe 
"I1?  ^A  The  A.  odoratum  nato- 
ralized  in  America.  Sweet-scented. 


WE  MAY  BE  POOR,  BUT  WE  WILL  BE  HAPPY. 

Two  gentle  shepherds,  and  their  sister  wives, 
With  thee,  Antlwxa,  lead  ambrosial  lives: 
Closed  in  a  green  recess,  unenvied  lot, 
The  blue  smoke  rises  from  their  turf-built  cot: 
Bosomed  in  fragrance,  blush  their  infant  train, 
Eye  the  warm  sun,  or  drink  the  silver  rain. 

Darwin. 


SENTIMENT. 

Joy  for  the  present  moment!  joy  to-day! 

Why  look  we  to  the  morrow? 
Mingle  me  bitters  to  drive  cares  away; 
Nothing  on  earth  can  be  forever  gay, 

And  free  from  sorrow. 

My  purse  is  very  slim,  and  very  few 

The  acres  that  I  number; 
But  I  am  seldom  stupid,  never  blue; 
My  riches  are  an  honest  heart  and  true, 
And  quiet  slumber. 

ferjmfc 
19 


218  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


VlOLET,  BLUE.          ClastS.     Order  1.     The  genus  Vk 
within  its  proper  limits  is  almost  equf  • 
ly  divided  between   Europe  and   tb 
temperate   parts   of    North    America. 
Flowers  bright  blue. 


FAITHFULNESS. 

Violet  is  for  faithfulness, 

Which  in  me  shall  abide ; 
Hoping,  likewise,  that  from  your  heart 

You  will  not  let  it  slide. 

Shakspeart't  Sonnet*. 


SENTIMENT. 

And  wert  thou  other  than  thou  art — 

Less  generous,  kind,  confiding, 
The  love  that  lives  in  my  true  heart 

Were  not  the  less  abiding. 
E'en  thy  neglect  I  might  sustain, 

'T  would  chill  my  heart — not  break  it; 
Its  tenderness  would  still  remain — 

Thy  falsehood  could  not  shake  it. 

Mrs.  JS.  M.  Well*. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  219 


VlOLET,  WHITE.  Class  5.     Order  1.     This  specie* 

Viola  blanda.  has  ver^  odorous  flowers. 

MODESTY. 

It  has  a  scent,  as  though  love,  for  its  dower, 

Had  on  it  all  its  odorous  arrows  tost; 
For,  though  the  rose  has  more  perfuming  power, 

The  violet  (haply  cause  't  is  almost  lost, 
And  takes  us  so  much  trouble  to  discover) 

Stands  first  with  most,  and  always  with  a  lover. 

Barry  Cornwall. 

SENTIMENT. 

The  maid  whose  manners  are  retired, 
Who  patient  waits  to  be  admired, 
Though  overlooked,  perhaps,  a  while 
Her  modest  worth,  her  modest  smile, — 
O,  she  will  find,  or  soon,  or  late, 
A  noble,  fond  and  faithful  mate, 
Who,  when  the  spring  of  life  is  gone, 
And  all  its  blooming  flowers  are  flown, 
Will  bless  old  Time,  who  left  behind 
The  graces  of  a  virtuous  mind. 
****** 

T  is  nature  moulds  the  touching  face : 
T  is  she  that  gives  the  living  grace, 
The  genuine  charm  that  never  dies, 
The  modest  air,  the  timid  eyes, 
The  stealing  glance,  that  wins  its  way 
To  where  the  soul's  affections  lay; — 
T  is  nature,  and  't  is  she  alone, 
That  gives  the  bright  celestial  zone, — 
The  zone  of  modesty,  the  charm 
That  coldest  hearts  can  quickest  warm; 
Which  all  our  best  affections  gains, 
And,  gaining,  ever  still  retains. 

J.  K.  Pauldmt 


220  FLORA  S    INTERPRETER. 


VlOLET,  YELLOW.      The  on'y  species  of  Viola  found  on 
Vinln  niiJtnJH  the  Plulu9  of  M's8ouri>  fronl  the  COQ- 

Yiola  nuttalli.  fluence  of  the  riv 


Manden.      Flowers    small,    yellow, 
purplish  on  the  under  side. 

ftURAL  HAPPINESS. 

When  beechen  buds  begin  to  swell, 
And  woods  the  blue-birds'  warble  know, 
The  yellow  violet's  smiling  bell 
Peeps  from  the  last  year's  leaves  below. 

Bryant. 

SENTIMENT. 

How  cheap 

Is  genuine  happiness,  and  yet  how  dearly 
Do  we  all  pay  for  its  base  counterfeit! 
We  fancy  wants,  which  to  supply,  we  dare 
Danger  and  death,  enduring  the  privation 
Of  all  free  nature  offers  in  her  bounty, 
To  attain  that,  which,  in  its  full  fruition, 
Brings  but  satiety.     The  poorest  man 
May  taste  of  nature  in  her  element, 
Pure,  wholesome,  never  cloying  ;  while  the  richest, 
From  the  same  stores,  does  but  elaborate 
A  pungent  dish  of  well-concocted  poison. 
Thanks  to  my  humble  nature,  while  I  Ve  limbs, 
Tastes,  senses,  I  'm  determined  to  be  rich; 
So  long  as  that  fine  alchymist,  the  sun, 
Can  transmute  into  gold  whate'er  I  like 
On  earth,  in  air,  or  water}  while  a  banquet 
Is  ever  spread  before  me,  in  a  hall 
Of  Heaven's  own  building,  perfumed  with  the  breath 
Of  nature's  self,  and  ringing  to  the  sounds 
Of  her  own  choristers. 

/.  JV.  Barktr. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  221 


VlRGIN's  BOWER.      Classic.   Orderl3.  Agertnsofabont 
Clematis  viorna.  30  species,  distributed  over  the  world— 

several  indigenous  to  America.     The 

C.  Viunui  found  inthe  Southern  Htates. 

Root     perennial.        Flowers     purple. 

There  is  a  kind  with  white  flower*. 


FILIAL  LOVE. 

And  gently,  as  Clematis'  clasping  stem 
Twines  the  sear  leaf,  and  screens  it  from  the  blast- 
So  filial  hearts  their  tender  care  must  cast 
Around  the  mother-plant  that  once  supported  them 

Jlnon. 

SENTIMENT. 

Yes,  I  have  left  the  golden  shore, 

Where  childhood  midst  the  roses  played: 

Those  sunny  dreams  will  come  no  more, 
That  youth  a  long  bright  sabbath  made 

Yet  while  those  dreams  of  memory's  eye 
Arise  in  many  a  glittering  train, 

My  soul  goes  back  to  infancy, 

And  hears  my  mother's  song  again' 

And  while  my  soul  retains  the  power 
To  think  upon  each  faded  year, 

In  every  bright  or  shadowed  hour, 
My  heart  shall  hold  my  mother  dear. 

The  hills  may  tower — the  waves  may  rise, 

And  roll  between  my  home  and  me; 
Yet  shall  my  quenchless  memories 
Turn  with  undying  love  to  thee. 

W.  G.  Clark 
19* 


FLORA S    INTERPRETER. 


WALL  FLOWER  Class  IS.   Order  2.    A  genus  found 

Cheiranti™  cfceiri. 


in  the  form  of  a  cross  —  yellow,  and 
of  sweet  perfume.  It  grows  often, 
in  the  old  world,  around  decaying 
buildings,  falling  towers,  etc. 


FIDELITY  IN  MISFORTUNE. 

Not  in  prosperity's  bright  morn, 

Cheirantkus'  golden  light 
Is  lent,  her  splendors  to  adorn, 

And  make  them  still  more  bright: 
But  in  adversity's  dark  hour, 

When  glory  is  gone  by; 
It  then  exerts  its  gentle  power, 

The  scene  to  beautify. 

Bernard  Barton. 

SENTIMENT. 

Yes,  love!  my  breast,  at  sorrow's  call, 

Shall  tremble  like  thine  own; 
If  from  those  eyes  the  tear-drops  fall, 

They  shall  not  fall  alone. 
Our  souls,  like  heaven's  aerial  bow, 
Blend  every  light  within  their  glow, 

Of  joy  or  sorrow  known; 
And  grief,  divided  with  thy  heart, 
Were  sweeter  far  than  joy  apart. 

Anon.     (Albany  Adwrtiter.) 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  223 


WATER  LILY,  WHITE.     Clou  13.   Order  i. 
M/mphu  odorata. 

digenous  to  die  United 
The  genus  is  principally  found 
in  Europe  and  India.  Very 
splendid.  Flowers  white  usu- 
ally, sometimes  red,  and  in  ooa 
species  blue. 

PURITY  OF  HEART. 

Innocence  shines  in  the  Lily's  bell, 
Pure  as  a  heart  in  its  native  heaven. 

PtreivaL 

SENTIMENT. 

Innocent  maid,  and  snow-white  flower, 
Well  are  ye  paired  in  your  opening  hour; 
Thus  should  the  pure  and  lovely  meet, 
Stainless  with  stainless,  and  sweet  with  sweet. 

White  as  those  leaves  just  blown  apart, 
Are  the  folds  of  thy  own  pure  heart: 
Guilty  passion  and  cankering  care 
Never  have  left  their  traces  there. 

Throw  it  aside  in  thy  weary  hour; 
Throw  to  the  ground  the  fair  white  flower; 
Yet  as  thy  smiling  years  depart, 
Keep  that  white  and  innocent  heart. 


824  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 

WlLLOW,  WEEPING.  Clots  22.   Order  2.  Thblarga 

&rfu  JUytate.  CViKfift  C 

rope  and  America.   The  S.  Ba- 
bylonica  is  most  cultivated. 

FORSAKEN  LOVER. 

In  love,  the  sad  forsaken  wight 
The  Willow  garland  weareth. 

Dmytou. 

SENTIMENT. 

Little  know 

The  cold  unfeeling  crowd,  how  strong  the  love, 
The  first  warm  love  of  youth;  how  long  it  lives 
Unfed  and  unrequited;  how  it  bears 
Absence  and  cruel  scorn,  and  still  looks  calm. 

Her  heart  was  chilled; 
And,  dead  to  all  its  softest  sympathies, 
It  cherished  but  one  feeling,  hopeless  love, — 
Love  stronger  by  endurance,  ever  growing 
With  the  decay  of  life  and  all  its  powers. 

PtrcivaL 


FLORA  S    INTERPRETER. 


WlTCH  HAZEL.  Clattl.  Order  2.    An  American 


mer.  Color  of  the  flowers  yellow. 
Twigs  of  the  Witch  Hazel  have 
been  used  as  divining  rods  to 
discover  secret  treasures  and 


A  SPELL. 

Mysterious  plant!  whose  golden  tresses  wave 
With  a  sad  beauty  in  the  dying  year, 
Blooming  amid  November's  frost  severe, 
Like  a  pale  corpse-light  o'er  the  recent  grave. 
If  shepherds  tell  us  true,  thy  wand  hath  power, 
With  gracious  influence,  to  avert  the  harm 
Of  ominous  planets. 

Token,  1831. 

SENTIMENT. 

Our  witches  are  no  longer  old 

And  wrinkled  beldames,  Satan-sold, 

But  young  and  gay  and  laughing  creatures, 

With  the  heart's  sunshine  on  their  features; 

Their  sorcery — the  light  which  dances 

When  the  raised  lid  unveils  its  glances, 

And  the  low-breathed  and  gentle  tone 

Faintly  responding  unto  ours, 

Soft,  dream-like  as  a  fairy's  moan 

Above  its  nightly  closing  flowers. 

7.  0.  Whitticr. 


226  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


WHEAT.  Clots  S.     Order  2.     It  u  supposed 

Triticum  coninum.       J10  8Pec£»  Salivum  °riginated  » 

Egypt     The  gcnua    seems  mostly 
European.     Cultivated. 

PROSPERITY. 

Ceres,  the  goddess  of  the  harvest,  bears 
A  nodding  garland  of  the  ripened  ears, 
Betokening  prosperous  days. 

Anon. 


SENTIMENT. 

What  shouldst  thou  have  ever  known 
Of  that  blind  goddess  which  deludes  the  world? 
Or  what  of  Care  ?    Oh,  if  the  joys  of  life 
Are  linked  with  wealth,  and  fortune's  gifts  alone 
Can  make  us  happy,  then  thy  cup  of  life 
Is  full  to  overflowing! 

H.  Pickering. 

ANSWER. 

My  life  has  been  like  summer  skies, 

When  they  are  fair  to  view; 
But  there  never  yet  were  hearts  or  skies, 

Clouds  might  not  wander  through. 

Mn.  L.  P.  Smith. 


FCORA'S  INTERPRETER.  227 

WOODBINE.  ClattS.    Order*.    The  Bams 


Very  fragrant. 

FRATERN  \L  LOVE. 

And  though  that  were  chaplets  on  their  hede 
Of  freshe  Woodbind  be  such  as  never  were 
To  love  untrue  in  word,  in  thought,  in  dede. 

Chaucer. 

SENTIMENT. 

Yes,  dear  one,  to  the  envied  train 

Of  those  around,  thy  homage  pay; 
But  wilt  thou  never  kindly  deign 

To  think  of  him  that  's  far  away? 
Thy  form,  thine  eye,  thine  angel  smile, 

For  many  years  I  may  not  see; 
But  wilt  thou  not  sometimes  the  while, 

My  sister,  dear,  remember  me  ? 

Remember  me,  I  pray  —  but  not 

In  Flora's  gay  and  blooming  hour, 
When  every  brake  hath  found  its  note, 

And  sunshine  smiles  in  every  flower; 
But  when  the  falling  leaf  is  sear, 

And  withers  sadly  from  the  tree, 
And  o'er  the  ruins  of  the  year 

Cold  autumn  weeps,  —  remember  me. 

Remember  me  —  not,  I  entreat, 

In  scenes  of  festal  week-day  joy  ; 
For  then  it  were  not  kind  or  meet 

Thy  thoughts  thy  pleasures  should  alloy; 
But  on  the  sacred  sabbath  day, 

And,  dearest,  on  thy  bended  knee, 
When  thou  for  those  thou  lov'st  dost  pray,  — 

Sweet  sister,  then  remember  me. 

Rlu-ard  Eixrett. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


WOOD  SORREL.      Class  W.  Order  5.   Chiefly  found  in  tho 

^      /•  East,  though  a  few  species  are  natives  of 

America.     The  variety  cultivated  for  iu 

beauty  is  from  China.     Flowers  yellow, 

white,  etc.,  '  pencilled  '  with  crimson. 

MATERNAL  TENDERNESS. 

Sorrel,  that  hangs  her  cups, 
Ere  their  frail  form  and  streaky  veins  decay, 
(3'er  her  pale  verdure,  till  parental  care 
Inclines  the  shortening  stems,  and  to  the  shade 
Of  closing  leaves  her  infant  race  withdraws. 

Gitbornt. 

SENTJMEWT. 

It  hath  passed,  my  daughter!  fare  thee  welll 

Pledged  is  the  faith,  inscribed  the  vow; 
Yet  let  these  gushing  tear-drops  speak 

Of  all  thy  mother's  anguish  now; 
And  when,  on  distant  stranger  shores, 

Love  beams  from  brighter  eyes  than  mine, 
When  other  hands  thy  tresses  weave, 

And  other  lips  are  pressed  to  thine, — 

O,  then  remember  her  who  grieves, 

With  parent-fondness,  for  her  child ; 
Whose  lonely  path,  of  thee  bereft, 

Is  like  some  desert  lone  and  wild, 
Where  erst  a  simple  floweret  grew, 

Where  erst  one  timid  wild  bird  sung; 
Now  lonely,  dark,  and  desolate, 

No  bird  nor  flower  its  shades  among. 

When  care  shall  dim  thy  sunny  eye, 

And  one  by  one  the  ties  are  broken 
That  bind  thee  to  the  earth,  this  kiss 

Will  linger  yet — thy  mother's  token ; 
T  will  speak  her  changeless  love  for  thee, — 

Speak  what  she  strives  hi  vain  to  tell, 
The  yearnings  of  a  parent's  heart; — 

My  darling  child,  farewell!  farewell! 

American  Common-Place  Book  of  Poetry. 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  229 


YARROW.  Cla*»l9.    Order  11.    Native  of 

.  5-fijssty:  XT 

Plant  reputed  medicinal. 


CURE  FOB  THE  HEART-ACHE. 

The   Yarrow,  wherewithal  he  stopped  the  wound- 
made  gore. 

Drayto*. 

SENTIMENT. 

Rapture  is  not  the  aim  of  man;  in  flowers 
The  serpent  hides  his  venom,  and  the  sting 
Of  the  dread  insect  lurks  in  fairest  bowers. 
We  were  not  made  to  wander  on  the  wing ; 
Rut  if  we  would  be  happy,  we  must  bring 
Our  buoyed  hearts  to  a  plain  and  simple  school. 

Percival. 

ANSWER. 

Yes,  fair  as  the  siren,  but  false  as  her  song, 
The  world's  painted  shadows  that  lure  us  along; 
Like  the  mist  on  the  mountain,  the  foam  on  the  deep, 
Or  the  voices  of  friends  that  we  greet  in  our  sleep, 
Are  the  pleasures  of  earth,  and  I  mourn  that  to  heaven 
I  gave  not  the  heart  which  to  folly  was  given. 

Mrt.  Hale. 
20 


230  FLORA'S  INTERPRETER. 


Clots  21.    Order  16.    A  genus  of  nine  species, 
Taxus  found  in  Japan  and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  in 

Europe  and  the  Americas.     A  tree  associated 
with  melancholy  and  funereal  gloom. 


PENITENCE. 

The  mourning  Few,  that  breathes  of  gloomy  care, 
Of  early  doom  and  penitential  prayer. 

Anon. 

SENTIMENT. 

We  will  not  ask  what  thorn  has  found 
Keen  entrance  to  thy  bosom  fair, — 

If  love  hath  dealt  a  deathless  wound, 
Or  deeper  folly  woke  despair. 

We  only  say,  the  sinless  clime, 

On  which  is  bent  thy  streaming  eye, 

Hath  pardon  for  the  darkest  crime, 
Though  erring  man  the  boon  deny. 

We  only  say,  the  prayerful  breast, 
The  crystal  tear  of  contrite  pain, 

Hath  power  to  ope  the  portal  blest, 

Where  pride  and  pomp  have  toiled  in  vain. 
Token  for  1828 


FLORA'S  INTERPRETER.  231 

ZlNNIA.  ClastlQ.    Order  2.    Native  of  South 

Zinnia  multiflora.  America,  except  the  species  multillo- 
ra.  round  on  the  banks  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi; flowers  solitary,  red;  rays 
red  or  yellow.  Home  of  this  genus  in 
Peru  have  purple  or  yellow  Sowers. 

ABSENCE. 

The  Zinnia's  solitary  flower, 

Which  blooms  in  forests  lone  and  deep, 
Are  like  the  visions  fair  and  bright, 

That  faithful,  absent  hearts  will  keep. 

Anon. 


SENTIMENT. 

I  formed  for  thee  a  small  boquet, 

A  keepsake  near  thy  heart  to  lay, 

Because  't  is  there,  I  know  full  well, 

That  charity  and  kindness  dwell. 

And  in  some  lonely,  silent  hour, 

When  thou  shalt  yield  to  memory's  power, 

And  let  her  fondly  lead  thee  o'er 

The  scenes  that  thou  hast  past  before, 

To  absent  friends  and  days  gone  by, — 

Then  should  these  meet  thy  pensive  eye, 

A  true  memento  may  they  be, 

Of  one  whose  bosom  owes  to  thee 

So  many  hours  enjoyed  in  gladness, 

That  else  perhaps  had  passed  in  sadness, 

And  many  a  golden  dream  of  joy, 

Untarnished  and  without  alloy; 

O,  still  my  fervent  prayer  will  be, 

'  Heaven  9  choicest  blessings  rest  on  thee.* 

Miss  OoulcU 


THE 

POESY   OF   FLOWERS. 

THE  SWEET  BRIER. 

OUR  sweet,  autumnal  western-scented  wind, 
Robs  of  its  odors  none  so  sweet  a  flower, 
In  all  the  blooming  waste  it  left  behind, 
As  that  the  Sweet-brier  yields  it ;  and  the  shower 
\\Yts  not  a  rose  that  buds  in  beauty's  bower 
One  hnlf  so  lovely; — yet  it  grows  along 
The  poor  girl's  pathway,  by  the  poor  man's  door,— 
Such  nre  the  simple  folk  it  dwells  among; 
And  humble  as  the  bud,  so  humble  be  the  song. 

I  love  it,  for  it  takes  its  untouched  stand, 
Not  in  the  vase  that  sculptors  decorate; 
Its  sweetness  all  is  of  my  native  land; 
And  e'en  its  fragrant  leaf  has  not  its  mate 
Among  the  perfumes  which  the  rich  and  great 
Buy  from  the  odors  of  the  spicy  East. 
You  love  your  flowers  and  plants;  and  will  you  hale 
The  little  four-leaved  rose  that  I  love  best, 
That  freshest  will  awake,  and  sweetest  go  to  rest? 

/.  O.  C.  Brainard. 
20* 


234  THE    POESV    OF    FLOWERS. 


THE  FLOWER  SPIRIT. 

I  am  the  spirit  that  dwells  in  the  flower; 

Mine  is  the  exquisite  music  that  flies, 
When  silence  and  moonlight  reign  over  each  bower 

That  blooms  in  the  glory  of  tropical  skies. 
I  woo  the  bird,  with  his  melody  glowing, 

To  flit  in  the  sunshine  and  warble  its  strain; 
And  mine  is  the  odor,  in  turn,  that  bestowing, 

The  songster  is  paid  for  his  music  again. 

There  dwells  no  sorrow  where  I  am  abiding; 

Care  is  a  stranger,  and  troubles  us  not; 
And  the  winds,  as  they  pass,  when  too  hastily  riding 

I  woo,  and  they  tenderly  glide  o'er  the  spot. 
They  pause,  and  we  glow  in  their  rugged  embraces 

They  drink  our  warm  breath  rich  with  odor  and  song . 
They  hurry  away  to  their  desolate  places, 

And  look  for  us  hourly,  and  think  of  us  long. 

Who,  of  the  dull  earth,  that 's  moving  around  us, 

Would  ever  imagine,  that,  nursed  in  a  rose, 
At  the  opening  of  spring,  our  destiny  found  us 

A  prisoner  until  the  first  bud  should  unclose ; 
Then,  as  the  dawn  of  light  breaks  upon  us, 

Our  winglets  of  silk  we  unfold  to  the  air, 
And  leap  off  in  joy  to  the  music  that  won  us, 

And  made  us  the  tenants  of  climates  so  fair? 

W.  G.  Simmt. 


THE    POESY    OF    FLOWERS.  236 


TO  THE  FRINGED  GENTIAN. 

Thou  blossom,  bright  with  autumn  dew, 
And  colored  with  the  heaven's  own  blue, 
Thou  openest  when  the  quiet  light 
Succeeds  the  keen  and  frosty  night. 

Thou  comest  not  when  violets  lean 

O'er  wandering  brooks  and  springs  unseen, 

Or  columbines,  in  purple  drest, 

Nod  o'er  the  ground-bird's  hidden  nest. 

Thou  waitest  late  and  com'st  alone, 
When  woods  are  bare,  and  birds  are  flown, 
And  frosts,  and.shortening  days  portend 
The  aged  year  is  near  its  end. 

Then  doth  thy  sweet  and  quiet  eye 
Look  through  its  fringes  to  the  sky, 
Blue — blue — as  if  that  sky  let  fall 
A  flower  from  its  cerulean  wall. 

T  would  that  thus,  when  I  shall  see 
The  hour  of  death  draw  near  to  me, 
Hope,  blossoming  within  my  heart, 
May  look  to  heaven  as  I  depart. 

Bryant 


236  THE    POESY   OF    FLOWERS. 


TO  THE  TRAILING  ARBUTUS  * 

Thou  comest  when  Spring  her  coronal  weaves, 
And  thou  hidest  thyself  mid  dead  strewn  leaves; 
Where  the  young  grass  lifts  its  tender  blade, 
Thy  home  and  thy  resting-place  are  made; 
And  in  the  spot  of  thy  lowly  birth, 
Unseen,  thou  bloomest,  like  modest  worth: 
The  richest  jewel,  the  rarest  gem 
May  never  glow  in  a  diadem. 

What  knowest  thou  of  the  glittering  pride 
Of  vales  that  blush,  like  a  jewelled  bride— 
When  the  pomp  of  roses  and  gilded  flowers 
Springs  mid  the  falling  of  Summer  showers  ? 
What  canst  thou  know  of  those  breathing  skies, 
Adorned  with  the  diamonds  of  paradise — 
Or  the  sunrise  crown,  or  the  golden  flow 
Of  noontide  streams  in  their  deep  warm  glow? 

Thou  comest  from  Winter's  cold  caress, 
To  rejoice  in  the  young  Spring's  loveliness: 
But  thou  seest  the  sky  when  the  cloud  appears, 
And  the  blue  eye  of  heaven  is  dim  with  tears, 
And,  cold  and  clear,  o'er  thy  dewy  bed 
The  starbeam  lustre  of  night  is  shed; 
And  no  bright-tinting  flashes  are  seen, 
Though  morn  be  cloudless  and  eve  serene. 

Yet,  flower  of  modesty,  born  alone — 
When  the  leaves  of  Autumn  still  lie  strown, 
Art  thou  not  dearer,  in  Spring's  first  prime, 
Than  the  fairest  rose  of  the  Summer  time  ? 
Thus  in  her  pathway  of  joy  and  light, 
Away  from  the  idle  gazer's  sight, 
'T  is  meet  that  Beauty  should  pass  her  hour, 
Lonely  and  modest,  like  thee,  sweet  flower! 

P.  Benjamin. 

*  The  Trailing  Arbntus  is  a  sort  of  strawberry  vine,  found  in 
New  England  in  March,  the  earliest  of  all  spring  flowers. 


THE    POESY    OF    FLOWERS.  237 


THE  GROUND  LAUREL. 

1  love  thee,  pretty  nursling 

Of  vernal  sun  and  rain; 
For  thou  art  Flora's  firstling, 

And  leadest  in  her  train. 

When  far  away  I  found  thee, 

It  was  an  April  morn; 
The  chilling  blast  blew  round  thee, 

No  bud  had  decked  the  thorn. 

And  thou  alone  wert  hiding 

The  mossy  rocks  between, 
*Vhere,  just  below  them  gliding, 

The  Merrimack  was  seen. 

And  while  my  hand  was  brushing 
The  scary  leaves  from  thee, 

It  seemed  that  thou  were  blushing, 
To  be  disclosed  to  me. 

Thou  didst  reward  my  ramble 

By  shining  at  my  feet, 
When,  over  brake  and  bramble, 

I  sought  thy  lone  retreat: 

As  some  sweet  flower  of  pleasure 

Upon  our  path  may  bloom, 
Mid  rocks  and  thorns,  that  measure 

Our  journey  to  the  tomb. 

Mitt  H.  F.  Gould. 


238  THE  roMY  or  FLOWER*. 


THE  LILY  OF  THE  VALLEY. 

I  had  found  out  a  sweet  green  spot, 
Where  a  lily  was  blooming  fair; 
The  din  of  the  city  disturbed  it  not, 
But  the  spirit  that  shades  the  quiet  cot 
With  its  wings  of  love  was  there. 

I  found  that  lily's  bloom, 

When  the  day  was  dark  and  chill; 
It  smiled  like  a  star  in  a  misty  gloom, 
And  it  sent  abroad  a  soft  perfume, 

Which  is  floating  around  me  still. 

I  sat  by  the  lily's  bell, 

And  watched  it  many  a  day; 
The  leaves,  that  rose  in  a  flowing  swell, 
Grew  faint  and  dim,  then  drooped  and  fell 

And  the  flower  had  flown  away. 

I  looked  where  the  leaves  were  laid, 

In  withering  paleness,  by, 
And,  as  gloomy  thoughts  stole  on  me,  said, 
There  is  many  a  sweet  and  blooming  maid, 

Who  will  soon  as  dimly  die. 

PrrctW 


THE    POEST    OF    FLOWERS. 


NIGHT-BLOWING  CEREUS. 

Strange  flower!  oh,  beautifully  strange! 

Why  in  the  lonely  night, 
And  to  the  quiet  watching  stars, 

Spread 'st  thou  thy  petals  white? 

There  's  sleep  among  the  breathing  flowers, 

The  folded  leaves  all  rest — 
Child,  butterfly,  and  bee  are  hushed — 

The  wood-bird  's  in  its  nest. — 

Thou  wak'st  alone  of  earth's  bright  things, 

A  silent  watch  is  thine, 
Offering  thy  incense,  yotive  gift, 

Unto  night's  starry  shrine. 

Morn  glows,  and  thou  art  gone  for  aye, 

As  bow  of  summer  cloud; 
Like  thy  sister  flower  of  Araby,* 

Thou  unto  death  hast  bowed. 

Once  flowering,  wilt  thou  never  more 

Give  thy  pale  beauty  back? 
O,  canst  thou  not  thy  fragrance  pour 

Upon  the  sunbeam's  track  ? 

Thou  flower  of  summer's  starlit  night, 

When  whispering  farewell, 
Bear'st  thou  a  hope,  from  this  dim  world, 

Mid  brighter  things  to  dwell  ? 

Thou  hast  unsealed  my  thought's  deep  fount, 

My  hope  as  thine  shall  be, 
And  my  heart's  incense  I  will  breathe 

To  Heaven,  bright  flower,  with  thee. 

Anne  Hope. 

•  Gum  CertM  of  Arabia— which  sheds  h*  flowen  u  scon  u 
they  are  blown. 


240  THE    FOESY    OF    FLOWERS 


THE  CROCUS  SOLILOQUY. 

Down  in  my  solitude  under  the  snow, 
Where  nothing  cheering  can  reach  me — 

Here,  without  light  to  see  how  to  grow, 
I  '11  trust  to  nature  to  teach  me. 

I  will  not  despair,  nor  be  idle,  nor  frown, 

Locked  in  so  gloomy  a  dwelling; 
My  leaves  shall  run  up,  and  my  roots  shall  run  down, 

While  the  bud  in  my  bosom  is  swelling. 

Soon  as  the  frost  will  get  out  of  my  bed, 

From  this  cold  dungeon  to  free  me, 
I  will  peep  up  with  my  little  bright  head, 

And  all  will  be  joyful  to  see  me. 

Then  from  my  heart  will  young  petals  diverge, 

As  rays  of  the  sun  from  their  focus; 
I  from  the  darkness  of  earth  will  emerge, 

A  happy  and  beautiful  Crocus. 

Gayly  arrayed  in  my  yellow  and  green, 

When  to  their  view  I  have  risen, 
Will  they  not  wonder  how  one  so  serene 

Came  from  so  dismal  a  prison? 

Many,  perhaps,  from  so  simple  a  flower 

This  little  lesson  may  borrow, — 
Patient  to-day,  through  its  gloomiest  hour, 

We  come  out  the  brighter  to-morrow. 

Mitt  II.  F.  Gould, 


THE    POESY    OF    FLOWERS.  241 


TO  A  WITHERED  ROSE. 

Pale  flower — pale,  fragile,  faded  flower — 

What  tender  recollections  swell, 
What  thoughts  of  deep  and  thrilling  power 

Are  kindled  in  thy  mystic  spell  ? 

A  charm  is  in  thy  faint  perfume, 

To  call  up  visions  of  the  past, 
Which,  through  my  mind's  o'ershadowing  gloom, 

'  Rush  like  the  rare  stars,  dim  and  fast.' 

And  loveliest  shines  that  evening  hour, 
More  dear  by  time  and  sorrow  made, 

When  thou  wert  culled,  ('  Love's  token  flower!') 
And  on  my  throbbing  bosom  laid. 

Sweet  thoughts  and  hallowed  sympathies, 
That  shun  the  hours  of  worldly  jar, 

Unfold  beneath  the  silent  skies, 

Like  flowers  that  love  the  evening  star. 

And  fancy,  that,  supine  and  dullj 

Slumbers  on  folded  wings  all  day, 
Then  waking,  wild  and  beautiful, 

Soars  like  the  unprisoned  bird  away. 

On  eve's  pale  brow,  one  star  burned  bright, 
Like  heavenward  hope,  whose  soothing  dream 

Is  veiled  from  pleasure's  dazzled  sight, 
To  shine  on  sorrow's  diadem. 

A  lingering  halo  in  the  west 

Poured  golden  hues  o'er  tower  and  tree; 
But  loveliest  did  its  radiance  rest, 

With  tenderest  beam,  sweet  flower,  on  thee. 

Bright  as  the  tears  thy  beauty  wept, 

The  dew-drops  on  thy  petals  lay, 
Till  evening's  silver  winds  had  swept 

T'hy  cheek,  and  kissed  them  all  away. 
21 


242  THE    FOEST    OF    FLOWERS. 


They  waved  the  wild  flowers  on  the  hill, 
And  pilfered  from  their  balmy  store, 

Caught  freshness  from  the  murmuring  rill 
And  sighed  along  its  reedy  shore. 

But  't  was  not  zephyrs  fraught  with  balm, 
Nor  the  rich  bloom  of  evening  skies, 

Which  lent  that  scene  its  deathless  charm, 
A  well-spring  of  sweet  memories. 

It  chanced  that  Love's  wild  wandering  wing 
A  moment  hovered  near  the  earth, 

Touched  of  my  heart  some  trembling  string, 
And  called  the  hidden  music  forth. 

Earth  hath  not — oh!  hath  heaven  so  sweet 
A  charm  as  that  once  only  known, 

When  first  affection's  accents  greet 
The  ear  that  drinks  their  thrilling  tone  ? 

Alas!  this  pledge  of  early  love — 

Now  emblem  of  its  faded  beam, 
Seems  the  sole  relic  left  to  prove 

That  all  was  not  a  blissful  dream. 

Long  years  have  passed,  pale  faded  flower, 
And  life  like  thee  hath  lost  its  bloom; 

But  still  the  memory  of  that  hour 

Survives,  like  thine  own  faint  perfume. 

Oh,  early  love,  too  fair  thou  art 

For  earth — too  beautiful  and  pure — 

Fast  fade  thy  day-dreams  from  ^he  heart, 
But  all  thy  waking  woes  endure. 

Mr*.  Whitman. 


THE    POESY    OF    FLOWERS  243 


TO  THE  HOUSTONIA  CERULEA. 

How  often,  modest  flower, 
I  mark  thy  tender  blossoms,  where  they  spread 
Along  the  turfy  slope,  their  starry  bed, 

Hung  with  the  heavy  shower. 

Thou  comest  in  the  dawn 
Of  Nature's  promise,  when  the  sod  of  May 
Is  speckled  with  its  earliest  array, 

And  strewest  with  bloom  the  lawn. 

'T  is  but  a  few  brief  days, 
1  saw  the  green  hill  in  its  fold  of  snow; 
Hut  now  thy  slender  stems  arise  and  blow. 

In  April's  fitful  rays. 

I  love  thoe,  delicate 

And  humble  as    thou     art;  thy  dress  of  white, 
And  hliio,  uud  all  the  tints  where  these  unite, 

Or  wrapped  in  spiral  plait. 

Or  to  the  glancing  sun, 

Shining  through  checkered  cloud,  and  dewy  shower, 
Unfolding  thy  fair  cross.     Yes,  tender  flower, 

Thy  blended  colors  run, 

And  meet  in  harmony, 

Commingling  like  tHe  rainbow  tints;  thy  urn 
Of  yellow  rises  with  a  graceful  turn, 

And  as  a  golden  eye, 

Its  softly  swelling  throat 
Shines  in  the  centre  of  thy  circle,  where 
Thy  downy  stigma  rises  slim  and  fair, 

And  catches,  as  they  float, 

A  cloud  of  living  air, 
The  atom  seeds  of  fertilizing  dust, 
That  hover,  as  thy  lurking  anthers  burst. 

And  O!  how  purely  there 


244  THE    POESY    OF    FLOWERS. 


Thy  snowy  circle,  rayed 

With  crosslets,  bends  its  pearly  whiteness  round, 
And  how  thy  spreading  lips  are  trimly  bound 

With  such  a  mellow  shade, 

As  in  the  vaulted  blue, 

Deepens  at  starry  midnight,  or  grows  pale, 
When  mantled  in  the  full-moon's  slender  veil, 

That  calm  ethereal  hue. 

I  love  thee,  modest  flower! 
And  I  do  find  it  happiness  to  tread, 
With  careful  steps,  along  thy  studded  bed, 

At  morning's  freshest  hour; 

Or,  when  the  day  declines, 
And  evening  comes  with  dewy  footsteps  on, 
And  now  his  golden  hall  of  slumber  won, 

The  setting  sun  resigns 

His  empire  of  the  sky, 

And  the  cool  breeze  awakes  her  fluttering  train; 
I  walk  through  thy  parterres,  and  not  in  vain, 

For  to  my  downward  eye, 

Sweet  flower!  thou  tellest  how  hearts 
As  pure  and  tender  as  thy  leaf,  as  low 
And  humble  as  thy  stem,  will  surely  know 

The  joy  that  peace  imparts 

Pei  cital. 


THE    POESV    OF    FLOWERS.  246 


TO  A  WHITE  CHRYSANTHEMUM. 

Fair  gift  of  Friendship!  and  her  ever  bright 
And  faultless  image!  welcome  now  thou  art, 

In  thy  pure  loveliness,  thy  robes  of  white, 
Speaking  a  moral  to  the  feeling  heart; 

Unscathed  by  heats — by  wintry  blasts  unmoved, — 

Thy  strength  thus  tested — and  thy  charm  improved. 

Emblem  of  innocence,  which  fearless  braves 

Lite's  dreariest  scenes,  its  rudest  storm  derides, 

And  floats  as  calmly  on  o'er  troubled  waves, 

As  where  the  peaceful  streamlet  smoothly  glides; 

Thou  'rt  blooming  now,  as  beautiful  and  clear 

As  other  blossoms  do  when  Spring  is  here. 

Symbol  of  hope,  still  banishing  the  gloom 

Hung  o'er  the  mind  by  stern  December's  reign! 

Thou  cheer'st  the  fancy  by  the  steady  bloom, 
With  thoughts  of  Summer  and  the  fertile  plain, 

Culling  a  thousand  visions  into  play, 

Of  beauty  redolent,  and  bright  us  May. 

Type  of  a  true  and  holy  love ;  the  same 

Through  every  scene  that  clouds  life's  varied  page; 
Mid  grief — mid  gladness — spell  of  every  dream, 

Tender  in  youth — and  strong  in  feeble  age! 
The  peerless  picture  of  a  modest  wife, 
Thou  bloom 'st  the  fairest  mid  the  frost  of  life. 

Mrs.  Dinnia, 
21* 


246  THE    FOESY    OF    FLOWERS. 


A  FLOWER  FROM  MOUNT  VEKNON. 

Bright  blossom!  thou  hast  breathed  the  air 

Around  our  hero's  tomb — 
What  do  the  night-winds  murmur  there, 

When  skies  are  wrapped  in  gloom? 
A  dirge  above  the  sleeping  one, 

Of  giant  heart  and  arm? 
Above  a  race  of  glory  run, 

Whose  memory  has  a  charm 
To  thrill  young  hearts,  and  lift  them  up 
To  thirst  for  glory's  gilded  cup? 

Sheds  not  the  moon,  in  radiance  there, 

A  brighter,  holier  light? 
Look  not  the  stars  with  smiles  more  fair, 

From  off  the  brow  of  night  ? 
Send  not  the  dews,  which  bathe  that  steep, 

A  fragrant  incense  round, 
As  they  were  sacred  tears,  to  weep 

O'er  fame  that  death  has  crowned? 
Didst  thou  not  bow  thy  head,  bright  gem 
Of  Nature's  peerless  diadem, 
O'er  him  who  sleeps  in  glory  there, 
Beneath  a  nation's  grateful  prayer? 

Mrt.  L.  F   Smitk. 


THE    POESY    OK    FLOWERS.  £47 


THE  ALPINE  FLOWERS. 

Meek  dwellers  raid  yon  terror-stricken  cliffs! 
With  brows  so  pure,  and  incense-breathing  lips, 
Whence  are  ye  ?    Did  some  white-winged  messenger, 
On  Mercy's  missions,  trust  your  timid  germ 
To  the  cold  cradle  of  eternal  snows, 
Or,  breathing  on  the  callous  icicles, 
Hid  them  with  tear-drops  nurse  ye? 

Tree  nor  shrub 

Dare  that  drear  atmosphere;  no  polar  pine 
Uprears  a  veteran  front;  yet  there  ye  stand, 
Leaning  your  cheeks  against  the  thick-ribbed  ice, 
And  looking  up  with  brilliant  eyes  to  Him 
Who  bids  you  bloom  unblanched,  amid  the  waste 
Of  desolation.     Man,  who,  panting,  toils 
O'er  slippery  steeps,  or,  trembling,  treads  the  verge 
Of  yawning  gulfs,  o'er  which  the  headlong  plunge 
Into  eternity,  looks  shuddering  up, 
And  marks  ye  in  your  placid  loveliness — 
Fearless,  yet  frail — and,  clasping  his  chill  hands, 
Blesses  your  pencilled  beauty.     Mid  the  pomp 
Of  mountain  summits  rushing  to  the  sky, 
And  chaining  the  rapt  soul  in  breathless  awe, 
He  bows  to  bind  you  drooping  to  his  breast, 
Inhales  your  spirit  from  the  frost-winged  gale, 
And  freer  dreams  of  heaven. 

Mr*.  Sigournty, 


248  THE    POESY    OF    FLOWERS. 


THE  THREE  FLOWERS. 

A  Tulip  blossomed  one  morning  in  May, 

By  the  side  of  a  sanded  alley; 
Its  leaves  were  dressed  in  rich  array, 
Like  the  clouds  at  the  earliest  dawn  of  day, 

When  the  mist  rolls  over  the  valley. 
The  dew  had  descended  the  night  before, 

And  lay  in  its  velvet  bosom, 
And  its  spreading  urn  was  flowing  o'er, 
And  the  crystal  heightened  the  tints  it  bore 

On  its  yellow  and  crimson  blossom. 

A  sweet  red  Rose,  on  its  bending  thorn, 

Its  bud  was  newly  spreading, 
And  the  flowing  effulgence  of  early  morn 

Its  beams  on  its  breast  was  shedding; 
The  petals  were  heavy  with  dripping  tears, 

That  twinkled  in  pearly  brightness, 
And  the  thrush  in  its  covert  filled  my  ears 

With  a  varied  song  of  lightness. 

A  Lily,  in  mantle  of  purest  snow, 

Hung  over  a  silent  fountain, 
And  the  wave,  in  its  calm  and  quiet  flow, 
Displayed  its  silken  leaves  below, 

Like  the  drift  on  the  windy  mountain: 
It  bowed  with  the  moisture  the  night  had  wept 

When  the  stars  shone  over  the  billow, 
And  white-winged  spirits  their  vigils  kept, 
Where  beauty  and  innocence  sweetly  slept 

On  its  pure  and  thoraless  pillow. 

Percival. 


THE    POESY    OF    FLOWERS. 


THE  FLOWER  ANGELS. 

As  delicate  form  as  thine,  my  love, 

And  beauty  like  thine  have  the  angels  above; 

Yet  man  cannot  see  them,  though  often  they  come, 

On  visits  to  earth,  from  their  native  home; 

Thou  ne'er  wilt  behold  them,   but  if  thou  wouldst 

know 

The  houses  in  which  (when  they  wander  below) 
The  angels  are  fondest  of  passing  their  hours, 
1  '11  tell  thee,  fair  Lady,  they  dwell  in  the  flowers! 

Each  flower,  as  it  blossoms,  expands  to  a  tent, 
For  the  house  of  a  visiting  angel  meant; 
From  his  flight  o'er  the  earth  he  may  there  find  re- 
pose, 

Till  again  to  the  vast  tent  of  heaven  he  goes. 
And  the  angel  his  dwelling-place  keeps  in  repair, 
As  every  good  man  of  his  mansion  takes  care; 
All  around  he  adorns  it,  and  carpets  it  well, 
And  much  he  's  delighted  within  it  to  dwell. 

True  sunshine  of  gold,  from  the  orb  of  day, 

lie  borrows,  his  roof  with  the  beams  to  inlay; 

All  the  hues  of  each  season  to  aid  him  he  calls, 

And  with  them  he  tinges  his  chamber  walls; 

His  bread  he  bakes  from  the  flower's  fine  meal, 

So  mingled  that  hunger  he  never  may  feel; 

He  brews  from  the  dew-drop  a  draught  fresh  and 

good, 
And  every  thing  does  which  a  housekeeper  should. 

And  greatly  the  flowers,  as  they  open,  rejoice 
That  they  are  the  home  of  the  angel's  choice; 
But,  O,  when  to  heaven  the  angel  ascends, 
The  flower  falls  asunder — the  stalk  sadly  bends! 
If  thou,  my  dear  Lady,  in  truth  art  inclined 
The  spirits  of  heaven  beside  thee  to  find, 
Make  Nature  thy  study,  companion  and  lover, 
And,  trust  me.  the  angels  around  thee  will  hover. 


250  TUB    POESY    OF   FLOWERS 


A  flower  do  but  place  near  thy  window  glass, 
And  through  it  no  image  of  evil  can  pass. 
Abroad  must  thou  go — on  thy  white  bosom  wear 
A  nosegay,  and  doubt  not  an  angel  is  there, 
burgee  not  to  water,  at  break  of  the  day, 
The  lilies,  and  thou  shalt  be  fairer  than  they. 
Place  a  rose  near  thy  bed,  nightly  sentry  to  keep, 
And  angels  shall  rock  thee  on  roses  to  sleep. 

No  vision  of  terror  approaches  the  bed, 

When  his  watch  the  angel  around  it  has  spread , 

And  whatever  bright  fancy  thy  guardian  to  thee 

Permits  to  come  in,  very  good  it  shall  be. 

When  thus  thou  art  kept  by  a  heavenly  spell, 

Shouldst  thou,  now  and  then,  dream  that  I  love  thee 

right  well, 

Be  sure  that  with  fervor  and  truth  I  adore  thee, 
Or  an  angel  had  ne'er  set  mine  image  before  thee. 
L.  Bancroft. — (Translated  from  the  German.) 


THE    POESY    OP    FLOWERS.  261 


DEATH  OF  THE  FLOWERS. 

The  melancholy  days  are  come,  the  saddest  of  the  year, 

Of  wailing  wind*,  and  naked  woods,  and  meadows  brown  and  men, 

Heaped  in  the  hollow  of  the  grove,  the  withered  leaves  lie  deudj 

They  rustle  to  the  eddying  gust  and  to  the  rabbit's  tread. 

The  robin  and  the  wren  are  flown,  and  from  the  shrub  the  jay, 

And  from  the  wood  top  calls  the  crow,  through  all  the  gloomy  day. 

Where  are  the  flower*,  the  young  fair  dowers,  that  lately  sprung  and  stootf, 

In  brighter  light  and  softer  airs,  a  beauteous  sisterhood  .' 

Alas  !  they  all  are  in  their  graves ;  the  gentle  race  of  Mowers 

Are  lying  in  their  lonely  beds,  with  the  (air  and  good  of  ours. 

The  rain  Is  falling  where  they  lie  :  but  the  cold  November  rail 

Calls  not,  from  out  the  gloomy  earth,  the  lovely  ones  again. 

The  wind-flower  and  the  violet,  they  perished  long  agu, 

And  the  wild-rose  and  the  orchis  died,  amid  the  summer  glow  •, 

tint  on  the  hill  the  golden-rod,  and  the  aster  in  the  wood, 

And  the  yellow  sunflower  by  the  brook,  in  autumn  beauty  stood, 

Till  fell  the  frost  from  the  clear  cold  heaven,  as  falU  the  plague  on  men, 

And  the  brightness  of  their  smile  was  gone,  from  upland,  glade  and  glen. 

And  now,  when  cornea  the  calm  mild  day,  as  still  such  days  will  coma, 

To  call  the  squirrel  and  the  bee  from  out  their  winter  home  j 

When  the  sound  of  dropping  nuts  is  heard,  though  all  the  tree*  are  still, 

And  twinkle  In  the  smoky  light  the  waters  of  the  rill, 

The  south  wind  searches  for  the  flowers,  whose  fragrance  late  he  bore, 

And  sighs  to  find  them  in  the  wood  and  by  the  streams  no  more. 

And  then  I  think  of  one  who  In  her  youthful  beauty  died, 
The  fair  meek  blossom  that  grew  up  and  faded  by  my  side  t 
In  the  cold  moist  earth  we  laid  her,  when  the  forest  cast  the  leaf; 
And  we  wept  that  one  so  lovely  should  have  a  life  so  brief  t 
Yet  not  unmeet  It  was  that  one,  like  that  young  friend  of  oun, 
0o  gentle  and  so  beautiful,  should  perish  with  the  flower* 

Bryant 


THE    POESY    OF    FLOWERS. 


TO  THE  PASSION  FLOWER.* 

'  And  the  faint  Passion  Flower,  the  sad  and  holy, 
Tell  of  diviner  hopes.' 

Hemaru. 

Mystic  and  holy  flower! 

How  many  hallowed  thoughts  are  blent  with  thee! 
How  bright  the  promise  thou  hast  brought  to  me, 

In  my  heart's  dimmest  hour. 

A  shadow  of  the  past! 
A  token,  a  memorial  thou  art, 
Bearing  a  spirit's  tone  unto  my  heart, 

That  through  this  life  will  last. 

Strange  and  heart-lifting  flower! 
Records  of  Passion  on  thy  leaves  I  trace, 
Stamped  with  the  seal  of  God  in  beauty-grace, 

And  mystery  of  his  power. 

Emblem  of  hope  and  love, 
Uplifted  in  the  sunshine  of  his  smile, 
May  I,  like  thee,  free  from  '  earth-stain  and  guile, 

Glow  wavingly  above. 

On  my  o'er-wearied  breast, 
A  sense  of  holiness,  sweet  flower,  thou  'st  cast, 
A  yearning  wish,  that  '  life's  brief  joy'  were  past, 

For  '  here  we  may  not  rest!' 

Thy  flowers  for  me  unfold! 
(Like  shadowed  waters  beautiful  they  are,) 
For  them  my  lips  have  hymn — my  heart  a  prayer, 

To  this  dim  world  untold! 

Thou  hast  waked  in  my  breast 
A  Faith — a  Hope — to  which  I  firmly  cling, 
A  Prayer — when  my  freed  spirit  takes  its  wing, 

Like  thee,  flower,  to  be  blest! 

AnntHoj*. 

•PaasiflbraCerulea. 


FORTUNA  FLORA. 


1  A  thousand  flowers  — each  seeming  one 
That  learned,  by  gazing  on  the  sun, 

To  counterfeit  his  shining  — 
Within  whose  loaves  the  holy  dew, 
That  falls  from  heaven,  hath  won  anew 

A  glory  —  in  declining ; 
Love's  language  may  be  talked  with  these  ! 
To  work  out  choicest  sentences, 

No  blossoms  can  be  meeter ; 
And  such,  being  used  in  Eastern  bowers, 
Young  maids  may  wonder  if  thu  flowers 

Or  meanings  be  the  sweeter." 

Elisabeth  B.  Barrett. 


EVERY  new  and  innocent  amusement  is  a  contribu- 
tion to  the  stock  of  the  world's  happiness.  And  we  con- 
sider it  no  trifling  matter  to  have  prepared  a  mystical 
charm  of  flowers  for  the  young,  where,  like  bees,  they 
may  gather  honey  while  hovering  over  and  enjoying  the 
beauty  of  these  sweet  gifts  of  nature. 

The  selections  are  from  the  best  writers,  and  we 
commend  the  practice  of  reading  the  particular  authors 
whose  productions  are  mingled  in  the  web  of  each  par- 
ticular destiny. 

The  manner  of  proceeding  is  this :  —  When  you 
wish  to  ascertain  the  particular  flowers  that  best  des- 
ignate your  condition,  character,  and  probable  success 
22 


254  .  FORTUNA  FLORA. 

in  life,Vook  for  the  month  in  which  you  were  born, 
(say  it  is  January  6th,  —  then  the  Olive  would  repre- 
sent it ; )  against  the  day  of  the  month  is  your  natal 
Jlower.  Then  ascertain  to  which  of  the  temperaments 
your  constitution  is  the  nearest  assimilated  ;  if  it  be  the 
Lymphatic,  you  take  the  1st  flower  of  the  same  month, 
(January) ;  if  Sanguine,  the  8th  flower ;  if  Bilious, 
the  16th  ;  if  Nervous ,  the  24th ;  this  is  your  tempera- 
ment Jlower,  or  leaf ;  say  your  temperament  was  San- 
guine, you  then  have  the  Holly. 

Then  the  flower  which  governs  the  month  is  called 
your  Jlower  of  destiny ;  this  for  January  is  the  Almond. 
Look  out  the  sentiment  conveyed  by  each  of  these 
flowers,  reading  them  backwards,  thus  :  —  Almond, 
hope ;  Holly,  domestic  happiness ;  Olive,  peace.  You 
have  thus  the  solution,  which  is  for  you  to  make  true. 

Heaven  gives  us  opportunities  ;  their  improvement  or 
neglect  is  our  own  work. 

When  you  send  a  Bouquet,  it  is  only  necessary  to 
write  on  the  slip  of  paper  accompanying  it  the  day  of 
tlie  week,  and  the  word  "  Friendship,"  —  or  "  Love,'1''  — 
or  "  Vicissitude."  The  person  receiving  the  Bouquet 
can  refer  to  the  "  Sentiments  for  the  Week,"  and  solve 
the  meaning. 

But  a  wider  scope  of  reply  may  be  desired,  and 
for  this  purpose  the  "  Sentiments  for  the  Months " 
are  prepared.  Say  that  a  young  lady  received  a 
flower  on  Saturday,  (7th  day  of  the  week,)  July 
31st.  She  must  add  these  two  sums  together,  making 
38.  Then  to  these  add  the  number  of  her  own 
temperament,  say  Nervous,  —  4,  making  42.  Look 
now  for  number  42  in  the  "  Sentiments  for  the 


FOETUNA    FLORA.  255 

Months."  —  She  will  then  find  the  meaning  conveyed 
by  the  flower.  In  this  manner  presents  of  flowers  on 
any  day  of  the  month  and  week  may  be  construed  into 
language. 

In  the  same  way  a  gentleman  could  learn  the  mean- 
ing attached  to  the  flower  sent  him. 

The  temperaments  require  a  little  explanation.  We 
have  given  the  signs  by  which  their  difference  is  recog- 
nized. Very  few  persons  have  a  perfectly  decided  tem- 
perament; but  it  can  usually  be  known  which  is  the 
predominating  influence. 


TEMPERAMENTS. 

The  different  temperaments  are  indicated  by  external 
signs  open  to  observation. 

1.  THE  LYMPHATIC.     This   is   distinguishable  by  a 
round  form  of  the  body,  softness  of  the  muscles,  and 
usually  a  pale  or  bloodless  complexion.     The  hair  is 
straight,  and  usually  fair.     The  brain,  as  a  part  of  the 
system,  is  slow  and  languid  in  action,  and  a  state  of  re- 
pose is  the  heaven  of  the  soul. 

2.  SANGUINE.     This  temperament  is  indicated  by  a 
well-defined  form,  and  a  fair,  ruddy  countenance.    The 
eyes  are  usually  blue  and  Sparkling,  and  the  hair  chest- 
nut, oAen  inclining  to  curl.     The  countenance  is  ani- 
mated, and  a  love  of  exercise,  gayety,  and  excitement 
prevails.     The  heart  seems  always  warm  with  hope. 

3.  BILIOUS.      This  temperament  is  recognized  by 
black  hair,  dark  skin,  moderate  fulness  and  much  firm- 
ness of  flesh,  with  harsh  and  irregular  outline  of  person. 


256  FORTUNA   FLORA. 

The  eyes  are  black  or  dark  brown,  countenance  usu- 
ally shows  strongly  marked  and  decided  features.  En- 
ergy and  ambition  are  predominating  characteristics  of 
this  temperament. 

4.  NERVOUS.  This  temperament  is  known  by  fine, 
thin  hair ;  thin  skin  ;  small  thin  muscles ;  quickness  in 
muscular  movement ;  gray  or  dark  blue  eyes ;  pale 
or  fair  skin  ;  and  often  delicate  health.  The  whole  ner- 
vous system,  including  the  brain,  is  predominantly  ac- 
tive. Intellectual  excellence  is  the  favorite  aim  of  the 
young  who  inherit  this  active  temperament. 

Such  are  the  true  conditions  of  each  temperament. 
Few  persons,  however,  are  really  of  an  unmixed  cast. 
The  Lymphatic  usually  has  a  dash  of  one  (often  two) 
of  the  other  temperaments.  And  so  of  the  others ;  each 
combines,  more  or  less,  with  its  neighbor.  Hence 
those  who  are  of  a  mixed  type  must  refer  to  the  day 
of  the  week  on  which  they  were  born  for  their  temper- 
ament flower.  A  person  in  whom  the  Lymphatic  type 
prevails,  has  a  dash  of  the  sanguine  — and  was  born  in 
the  month  of  January,  on  Friday,  the  sixth  day  of  the 
week ;  then  the  sixth  flower  of  the  month  —  the  olive 
—  will  be  his  or  her  temperament  flower.  If  the  San- 
guine type  governed  the  same  person,  the  sixth  flower 
of  the  second  (or  Sanguine)  week  —  the  hyacinth  — 
would  govern  ;  and  so  on. 

The  "  sentiments  "  selected  for  the  "  temperaments  " 
are  intended  to  serve  as  warnings  or  encouragements, 
according  to  the  tenor  of  life  pursued.  These  apoph- 
thegms may  also  be  taken  as  mottoes  to  designate  tho 
characteristics  of  persons  of  each  temperament. 


FORTUNA    FLORA. 


267 


JANUARY.* 

ALMOND,  (flowering.) ) 
Qmygadalus.  S  '  ' 

Hope  is  the  perennial  flower  of  earth.  —  Milton. 


HOPE. 


1.  Amaranth, 18 

2.  Anemone, 22 

3.  Bay-leaf, 30 

4.  Calla, 35 

5.  Carnation,  (yellow,).  37 
G.  Olive, 138 

7.  Everlasting, 60 

8.  Holly, 85 

9.  Geranium,  (oak,)  .  .  70 

10.  Wood-sorrel,  ....  228 

11.  Hellebore, 84 

12.  Ivy, 97 

13.  Hyacinth,  (purple,) .  93 

14.  Larkspur, 104 

15.  Gilly  Flower, ....  76 

16.  Moss, 130 


17.  Laurel,  (mountain,) .  107 

18.  Myrtle, 131 

19.  Lobelia, 118 

20.  Monkshood,    ....  129 

21.  Mignonette,    ....  127 

22.  Oak-leaf, 136 

23.  Rose,  (white,)  ...  185 

24.  Willow, 224 

25.  Rose-bud,  (white,)  .  184 

26.  Saffron, 193 

27.  Snow-drop, 198 

28.  Sumach, 203 

29.  Nightshade, 135 

30.  Verbena, 216 

31.  Yarrow, 229 


TEMPERAMENTS. 


I.  LYMPHATIC. 

"  You  have  waked  me  too  soon." 

II.  SANGUINE. 

"  I'm  determined  to  be  rich." 

III.  BILIOUS. 
On,  on  ;  the  goal  will  yet  be  won." 

IV.  NERVOUS. 
"Now  or  never." 


•  The  days  of  the  month  are  characterized,  each  one,  by  a 
flower.  The  figures  on  the  right  hand  refer  to  the  same  flowers 
in  the  pages  of  the  "  Interpreter." 


FOHTUNA    FLORA. 


FEBRUARY. 
AMARANTH.  ?  ,  .  IMMORTALITY. 


The  good  are  immortal.  —  Burke. 


1.  Apocynum, 23 

2.  Balm, 28 

3.  Arbor-vit«e 25 

4.  Laurel, 106 

5.  Charaomile, 43 

6.  Primrose, 163 

7.  Flax, 61 

8.  Rue, 192 

9.  Dahlia, 54 

10.  Thorn-apple,  ....  210 

11.  Cypress, 52 

12.  Vervain, .216 

13.  Geranium, 71 

14.  Locust, 119 

15.  Ox-eye, 141 


16.  Crocus, 50 

17.  Nettle, 134 

18.  Virgin's  Bower,  .  .  221 

19.  Rose  Mundi,  ....  179 

20.  Marigold,  (yellow,) .  124 

21.  Monks-hood,  ....  129 

22.  Nasturtion, 133 

23.  Sage, 194 

24.  Speedwell 200 

25.  Wall-flower,  ....  222 

26.  Yew, 230 

27.  Violet,  (blue,) 218 

28.  Prickly  Pear, ....  164 

29.  Cedar, 42 


TEMPERAMENTS. 

I.  LYMPHATIC. 
"  Slow  and  sure." 

II.  SANGUINE. 

"  I  fly  to  meet  thee." 

in.  BILIOUS. 
;  Do  the  works  of  love  and  duty. 

IV.  NERVOUS. 
"  Yearning  for  a  higher  good." 


FOETUNi.    FLORA. 


259 


MARCH. 

LARKSPDR-   I HAUGHTINESS. 

Delphinium.  > 


Ambition  makes  the  world  unkind.  —  Mitt  Barrett. 


1.  Crocus, 50 

2.  Doily  Rose, 171 

3.  Star  of  Bethlehem,.  204 

4.  White  Daisy,.  ...    55 

5.  Daffodil, 53 

6.  Mignonette, 127 

7.  Bay-wreath, 31 

8.  Ivy 97 

9.  Lichen, Ill 

10.  Lily  of  the  Valley,.  117 

11.  Rose  of  Burgundy,  169 

12.  Daffodil, 53 

13.  Pansy 142 

14.  Violet,  (blue,).  ...  218 

15.  Rose-bud,  (red,)  .  .  181 
Id.  Hellebore, 84 


17.  Jonquil, 100 

18.  Snow-drop, 198 

19.  Laurel, 107 

20.  Geranium, 74 

21.  Cedar, 42 

22.  Cowslip, 49 

23.  Ice-plant, 95 

24.  Hyacinth,  (blue,) .  .    92 

25.  Periwinkle,  (white,)   149 

26.  Primrose, 163 

27.  Pine,  (pitch,)  ....  152 

28.  Phlox, 150 

29.  Moss, 130 

30.  Lilach,  (white,) .     .113 

31.  Myrtle, 131 


TEMPERAMENTS. 


I.  LYMPHATIC. 

«  Why  press  so  near  each  other  ?  w 

II.  SANGUINE. 

"  Come  nearer !  come  nearer ! " 

in.  BILIOUS. 

•* Do  you  think  of  me  as  I  think  of  you ?" 

IV.  NERVOUS. 
"  They  who  aspire,  rise." 


260 


FORTUNA    FLORA. 


APRIL. 


LAUREL. 


VIRTUE. 


Virtue  is  the  health  of  the  soul.  —  Mrs.  Hah. 


1.  Sorrel,  (wild,) 199 

2.  Cypress, 52 

3.  Hyacinth,  (blue,) .  .  92 

4.  Anemone, 22 

5.  Polyanthus, 158 

6.  Verbena, 216 

7.  Dandelion, 56 

8.  Eglantine, 58 

9.  Fir, 62 

10.  Rose,  (damask,)  .  .  175 

11.  Rose,  (campion,) .  .  190 

12.  Lily,  (yellow,)    ...  115 

13.  Sage, 194 

14.  Peach  Blossom,  .  .  146 

15.  Narcissus, 132 


16.  Box, 32 

17.  Clematis, 45 

18.  Arbor-rite, 25 

19.  Cardinal's  Flower,  .    40 

20.  Daisy, 55 

21.  Flowering  Reed, .  .    64 

22.  Peony, 147 

23.  Geranium,  (scarlet,)     69 

24.  Hawthorn, 81 

25.  Houstonia, 91 

26.  Broome, 33 

27.  Rosemary, 191 

28.  Nightshade, 135 

29.  Oats, 137 

30.  St  John's  Wort,  .  .  202 


TEMPERAMENTS. 

I.  LYMPHATIC. 
"  An  after-dinner  reverie." 

H.  SANGUINE. 
u  I  soar  —  I  am  drawn  up  like  a  lark.' 

HI.  BILIOUS. 
"  I  am  strong  in  what  I  seek." 

IV.  NERVOUS. 
"  A  soul  is  raised  by  a  thought" 


FORTUNA    FLORA. 


261 


MAY. 


VIOLET.  > 

Viola  odorata.  S 


,  FAITHFULNESS. 


Faithfulness  keeps  love  ever  young.  —  Goethe. 


1.  Daisy, 54 

2.  Butter-cup, 34 

3.  Cowslip, 49 

4.  Geranium,(nutmeg,)    68 

5.  Honeysuckle, ....  89 
C.  Lilach,  (white,) ...  113 

7.  Lily  of  the  Valley,  117 

8.  Grape, 78 

9.  Golden-rod, 77 

10.  Iris, 96 

11.  King-cup, 101 

12.  Lavender, 109 

13.  Vernal  grass, ....  217 

14.  Queen's  Rocket, .  .  166 

15.  Rose,  (Burgundy,)  .  169 
la  Thyme, 211 


17.  Auricula, 26 

18.  Box, 32 

19.  Coreopsis, 48 

20.  Heart's  Ease, ....    82 

21.  Crocus, 50 

22.  Hydrangea, 94 

23.  Honeysuckle,.  ...    90 

24.  Magnolia, 123 

25.  Geranium, 71 

26.  Mezereon, 128 

27.  Nettle, 134 

28.  Violet,  (white,) ...  219 

29.  Ice  Plant, 95 

30.  Grass, 79 

31.  Monkshood,.  .  129 


TEMPERAMENTS. 


I.  LYMPHATIC. 
"The  race  is  not  to  the  swift." 

H.  SANGUINE. 
u  Hope  on,  hope  ever." 

HI.  BILIOUS. 
a  Yearning  to  completeness." 

IV.  NERVOUS. 
*  We  bring  thee  service  emulous/ 


262 


FORTT7NA    FLOKA. 


JUNE. 

ROSE.  ? 

Rubus  rosafolius.  > 

They  that  love  early  become  like-minded.  —  Tapper. 


LOVE 


L 

0 

Lemon  Blossom,  . 

.  110 
167 

16. 
17 

Sensitive  Plant,  .  . 
Saffron, 

196 
19? 

a 

4. 

r, 

Pink,  (mountain,)  . 
Canterbury  Bell,  . 
Balsamine 

.  156 
.    39 
29 

18. 
19. 

^0 

Rose,  (thornless,)  .  . 
Pink,  (variegated,)  . 
Peonv 

187 
157 
147 

6 

Broome,  

.    33 

91 

Pea,  

144 

7. 

8. 
9 

Lily,  (white,)  .  .  . 
Laurustinus,  .  .  . 
Lady's  Slipper,  .  . 

.  114 

.  108 
.  101 

22. 
23. 
94 

Bachelor's  Button,  . 
Apocynum,  .  ... 

27 
23 

105 

10. 

11 

Harebell,  
Geranium  (Ivy,) 

.    80 
.    74 

25. 

°6 

Rose,  (musk,)  .... 
Lobelia,  

180 
118 

K>. 
13 

Forget-me-not,  .  . 
Elder,  

.    65 
.    59 

27. 

9ft 

Rose,  (white,)  .  .  .  . 

185 

109 

i-l. 
l~> 

Columbine,  .  .  .  . 
Sweet  Brier 

.    46 

206 

29. 

30 

Rose,(hund.leav'd,) 

Kimr-CUD, 

174 
101 

TEMPERAMENTS. 


I.  LYMPHATIC. 
"  Thy  whisper  ia  — '  To-morrow.' " 

H.  SANGUINE. 
It  is  a  holy  thirst  to  long  for  love's  requitaL" 

HI.  BILIOUS. 
«  The  troubled  river  rusheth  to  the  sea." 

IV.  NERVOUS. 
"  Thou  hast  not  lost  an  hour." 


FORTUNA    FLORA. 


263 


JULY. 

HIGH-SOULED. 

The  mind  'a  the  standard  of  the  man.  —  Watts. 


LlJT. 

Lilium  Carolineum. 


1.  Sweet  Brier,  .  .  .  . 

*>0fi 

16.  Laburnum,  .     ...  102 

2.  Rose,  (Carolina,)  .  . 
3.  Pine,  (spruce,)  .  .  . 
4.  Sunflower,  (tall,)  .  . 
5   Rose      (York    and 

170 
153 
205 

17.  Marigold,   (yellow,)  124 
18.  Pink,,  (red,  double,)  154 
19.  Rose-bud,  (moss,)   .  177 
20   Rosemary                  191 

Lancaster  ) 

189 

21.  Saffron,                .  .  193 

6.  Syringa,  

903 

22.  Scabious,  195 

7.  Violet,  (yellow,)  .  . 
8.  Wheat,   

220 
996 

23.  Tulip,  (red,)   ....  213 
24.  Poppy,  (red,)  ....  159 

9.  Larkspur,  

104 

25.  Pink,  (Indian,)  ...  155 

10.  Passion-flower,  .  .  . 
11.  Hyacinth,  (blue,)  .  . 
12.  Geranium  (rose  ) 

143 
92 
72 

26.  Rose-bud,  (red,)  .  .  181 
27.  Water  Lily,    ....  223 
28   Mezereon,    128 

13   Calycanthus 

36 

of)   Hydrangea,                 94 

14.  Aloe, 

16 

30.  Forget-me-not,  ...    65 

15.  Rose,  (moss,)  .... 

176 

31.  Hyacinth,  (purple,).    93 

TEMPERAMENTS. 

I.  LYMPHATIC. 

w  Content  with  merely  living." 

II.  SANGUINE. 

"Come  up,  and  feel  what  health  there  is  in  the  frank 
Dawn's  delighted  eyes." 

III.  BILIOUS. 
"  Once  my  love,  my  love  forever." 

IV.  NERVOUS. 

"  They  must  upward  still  and  onward,  who  would  keep 
abreast  of  Truth." 


264 


FORTUNA    FLORA. 


AUGUST. 

TULIP  TREE.  ) 

Liriodendron  tulipijera,  > 

Worthy  fame  floweth  only  from  a  worthy  fountain.  — Tupper. 


FAME. 


1.  Rose,  (China,)  ...  178 

2.  Pink,  (mountain,) .  .  156 

3.  Lily,  (scarlet,)   .  .  :  116 

4.  Almond, 14 

5.  Grape,- 78 

6.  Olive, 138 

7.  Auricula,    (scarlet,)    26 

8.  Carnation, 37 

9.  Ambrosia, 20 

10.  Jonquil, 100 

11.  Foxglove, 66 

12.  Peony, 147 

J3.  Houstonia, 91 

14.  Clematis, 45 

15.  Bay- wreath,    ....    31 

16.  Rose,  (white,).  ...  185 


17.  Buttercup, 34 

18.  Queen's  Rocket, .  .  166 

19.  Nettle, 134 

20.  Hyacinth,  (purple,).    93 

21.  Thyme, 211 

22.  Geranium,  (lemon,) .    73 

23.  Ivy,  . 97 

24.  Calycanthus,  ....    36 

25.  Forget-me-not, ...    65 

26.  Daffodil, 53 

27.  Rose,  (Austrian,) .  .  107 

28.  Wall-flower, 222 

29.  Jasmine,  (yellow,)  .    99 

30.  Pea,  (sweet,)  ....  145 

31.  Acacia, 13 


TEMPERAMENTS. 


I.  LYMPHATIC. 

A  volume  of  detail,  where  all  is  orderly  set  down." 

II.  SANGUINE. 

"  Empire  in  the  eye,  and  sweetness  on  the  lip." 

III.  BILIOUS. 
"  Thy  soul  is  athirst  for  sympathy." 

IV.  NERVOUS. 
"  A  high  heart  is  a  sacrifice  to  Heaven." 


FORTUNA    FLORA. 


265 


SEPTEMBER. 

I DOMESTIC  HAPPINESS. 

flex.       ) 

The  only  bliss  of  Paradise  that  has  survived  the  fall.— Thomson. 


HOLLT. 


1. 

Daisy,  (white,)  .  .  . 

55 

16. 

44 

0 

Pine 

T>R 

17 

29 

3 

Jasmine,  (yellow,)  . 

99 

18 

Box, 

yj 

1 

Heliotrope,  

a? 

19 

Aloe,   

16 

5. 

Rose-bud,  (red,)  .  . 

181 

910 

Cedar,  

49 

6 

Sumach,  . 

903 

°1 

Elder 

59 

7 

Rosemary,    

191 

99 

Lavender,  

169 

R 

Geranium,  (nutmeg,) 

68 

^ 

33 

9 

TTr>noy-flnwo»>|^J^ 

1  t 

'Nettle,    

134 

H> 

Laurel,    .  .  /TT»r 

107 

Oats,    

137 

1  1 

110 

96 

77 

1" 

Periwinkle,  (white,) 

11!' 

97 

Houstonia,    

91 

18 

Columbine 

46 

98 

Eglantine. 

58 

1  1 

Ox-eye,     

141 

90 

Amaranth,  (globe,)  . 

18 

r, 

Speedwell,   .... 

900 

30 

Hellebore,    

84 

TEMPERAMENTS. 


I.  LYMPHATIC. 
a  Rouse  to  some  high  and  holy  work  of  love." 

II.   SANGUINE. 
1  Quickly  angered,  and  as  quick  his  passions  overpass." 

III.  BILIOUS. 
"  Wasting  his  life  for  his  country's  care." 

IV.  NERVOUS. 

"  An  earnest  intellect,  a  perfect  thirst  of  mind." 
23 


266 


FORTUNA    FLORA. 


OCTOBER. 


SACRED  AFFECTIONS. 


MARIGOLD.  ?  < 

Calendula  offidnalia.  S 

Faith,  Hope,  and  Charity ;  —  these  three.  —  St.  Paul. 


1.  Dahlia, 54 

2.  Heart's  Ease, ....    82 

3.  Olive, 138 

4.  Lichen, Ill 

5.  Wheat, 226 

6.  China  Aster,  ....    44 

7.  Locust, 119 

8.  Wall  Flower, 222 

9.  Pansy, 142 

10.  Aloe, 16 

11.  Moss, 130 

12.  Acacia, 13 

13.  Saffron, 193 

14.  Lobelia, 118 

15.  Dew  Plant, 57 

16.  Forget-me-not,  ...    65 


17.  Rose,  (daily,) 171 

18.  Passion  Flower,  .  .  143 

19.  Lotas  Flower,  ...  120 

20.  Orchis, 140 

21.  Jasmine,  (yellow,)  .    99 

22.  Woodbine, 227 

23.  Tuberose, 212 

24.  Sunflower,  (dwarf,) .  204 

(bridal,)   ...  103 
122 

27.  Queen's  Rocket, .  .  106 

28.  Thistle 209 

29.  Marigold,  (French,)  125 

30.  Orange-blossom,     .  139 

31.  Witch  Hazel,.  ...  225 


TEMPERAMENTS. 


I.  LYMPHATIC. 

"  A  little  fire  is  quickly  trodden  out" 

II.  SANGUINE. 

"  Truth  needs  no  flowers  of  speech." 

in.  BILIOUS. 
"  Firm  of  word,  speaking  in  deeds." 

IV.  NERVOUS. 
•*  Dearest  fruits  of  bliss  are  plucked  on  danger's  precipice." 


FORTTTNA   FLORA. 


267 


NOVEMBER. 

ROSEMARY.  ? 

Rosemarimu  officinalis.  > 

Have  we  no  charm  when  youth  is  flown  ?  —  Willis. 


,  REMEMBRANCE. 


1.  Almond, 14 

2.  Camellia  Japonica,.    38 

3.  Brooino, 33 

4.  Yarrow, 229 

5.  Marigold,  (French,)  125 

6.  Rose,  (Chinese,)  .  .  178 

7.  Box, 32 

8.  Ambrosia, 20 

9.  Balm, 28 

10.  Geranium,  (oak,)  .  .     70 

11.  Flax, 61 

12.  Myrtle, i:N 

13.  Weeping  Willow,  .  2i>4 

14.  Arbor-viUe, 25 

15.  Yew, 230 


16.  Holly, 85 

17.  Snow-drop, 198 

18.  Sorrel, 199 

19.  Everlasting, 60 

20.  Zinnia, 231 

21.  Rose,  (musk,) 180 

22.  King-cup 34 

23.  Cedar, 42 

24.  Flower-of-an-hour, .  63 

25.  Geranium, 75 

26.  Love-lies-bleeding,  121 

27.  Crown  Imperial,  .  .  51 

28.  Fox-glove, 66 

29.  Calycanthus,  ....  36 

30.  Dew  Plant, 57 


TEMPERAMENTS. 


I.   LYMPHATIC. 
u  One  of  a  cold  and  constant  mind." 

H.  SANGUINE. 
u  You  are  as  hopeful  as  the  Spring." 

III.  BILIOUS. 
Nothing  becomes  you  ill,  that  you  would  wilL* 

IV.  NERVOUS. 
"  Through  the  world  you  break  your  way." 


FORTU.NA    FLORA. 


DECEM  BER. 


Box. 

Buxva. 


CONSTANCY 


Constancy  lives  in  realms  above.  —  Coleridge. 


1.  Hawthorn, 81 

2.  Myrtle, 131 

a  Rose,  (bridal,)  .  .  .  1G3 

4.  Olive, i:J8 

5.  Wheat, 226 

6.  Pricjdy  Pear,  ....  165 

7.  Primrose, 162 

8.  Rose,  (Chinese,)  .  .  183 

9.  Ice  Plant, 95 

10.  Star  of  Bethlehem,  201 

11.  Prickly  Pear,  ....  165 

12.  Rose,  (withered,) .  .  186 

13.  Lichen, Ill 

14.  Hyacinth,    (purple,)    93 

15.  Everlasting, 60 

16.  Fir, 62 


17  Holly, 85 

18  Nightshade, 185 

19  Oats, 137 

20.  Clematis, 45 

21.  American  Starwort,    21 

22.  Balm, 28 

23.  Yew, 230 

24.  Broome, 38 

25.  Passion  Flower,  .  .  143 

26.  Geranium, 69 

27.  Chamomile, 43 

28.  Saffron,  (meadow,)  .  126 

29.  Periwinkle,  (blue,; .  148 

30.  Ivy, 97 

31.  Locust, 119 


TEMPERAMENTS. 


I.  LYMPHATIC. 

"  What  fate  imposes  men  must  needs  abide." 

II.  SANGUINE. 

"  The  cheapest  pleasures  are  the  best." 

III.  BILIOUS. 

u  For  what  I  will,  I  will  —  and  bear  it  out." 
IV.  NERVOUS. 

"  No  dread  of  thine  own  energies,  still  active  day 
night" 


FORTONA  FLORA. 


SENTIMENTS  FOR  THE  WEEK. 


LOVE. 

Lore  is  a  celestial  harmony 
Of  likely  hearts,  composed  of  stars'  consent, 

Which  join  together  in  sweet  sympathy, 
To  work  each  other's  joy  and  sweet  content.    • 

Spenter. 


2.  late  i  heralds  should  be  thoughts 

Which  ten  times  faster  glide  than  the  sun's  beams, 
Driving  back  shadows  over  lowering  hills. 

Shakspeare. 


3.     Lore  not,  love  not ;  the  thing  you  love  may  change  j 

The  rosy  lip  may  cease  to  smile  on  you, 
The  kindly  beaming  eye  grow  cold  and  strange, 
The  heart  still  warmly  beat,  and  not  for  you. 

Mrs.  Xorton. 


The  essence  of  all  beauty  I  call  love. 
The  attribute,  the  evidence,  the  end, 
The  consummation  to  the  inward  sense, 
Of  beauty  apprehended  from,  without, 
I  still  call  love. 

Miss  Barrett. 


Rich  in  love 

And  sweet  humanity,  you  will  be  yourself, 
To  the  degree  that  you  desire,  beloved. 

Wardsvarth. 

23  • 


270  FORTUNA    FLORA. 


Love  gives  to  nature's  voice  a  tone 
That  true  hearts  understand ; 

The  sky,  the  earth,  the  forest  lone, 
Are  peopled  by  his  wand ; 

Sweet  fancies  all  our  pukes  thrill, 
While  gazing  on  a  flower. 

Mrs.  Hale. 


Give  me  the  boon  of  love  ! 

The  path  of  fame  is  drear, 
And  glory's  arch  doth  ever  span 

A  hill-side  cold  and  sere. 
One  wild  flower  from  the  path  of  Love, 

All  lowly  though  it  lie, 
la  dearer  than  the  wreath  that  waves 

To  stern  Ambition's  eye. 

//.  T.  TucJxrma*. 


FORTUNA    FLORA.  271 


FRIENDSHIP. 

1.  Friendship  is  not  a  plant  of  hasty  growth, 
Though  planted  in  esteem's  deep-fixed  soil ; 
The  gradual  culture  of  kind  intercourse 
Must  bring  it  to  perfection,  make  it  flower. 

Joanna  Baillie. 

2.  O  !  let  my  friendship,  in  the  wreath, 

Though  but  a  bud  among  the  flowers, 

Its  sweetest  fragrance  round  thce  breathe,  — 

'Twill  serve  to  soothe  thy  weary  hours. 

Amelia  B.  Wetty. 

3.  The  least  flower,  with  a  brimming  cup,  may  stand, 
And  share  its  dew-drop  with  another  near. 

Miss  Barrett. 

4.  I  count  myself  in  nothing  else  so  happy, 
As  in  a  soul  remembering  my  good  friends. 

Shakspeare. 

6.  That  union  where  all  that  in  woman  is  kind. 

With  all  that  in  man  most  enaoblingly  towers, 
Grow  wreathed  into  one  —  like  the  column  combined 
Of  the  strength  of  the  shaft  and  the  capital's  flowers. 

Moore. 

6.  The  blossoms  of  passion, 

Gay  and  luxuriant  flowers,  are  brighter  and  fuller  of 

fragrance ; 
But  they  beguile  us,  and  lead  us  astray,  and  their  odox 

is  deadly. 

LongfeUow. 

7.  Dear  friend,  the  hills  rise  bare  and  bleak 

That  bound  thy  future  years  ; 
Clouds  veil  the  sky  j  no  golden  streak, 

No  rainbow  light,  appears  ; 
But,  by  those  hopes  which,  plumed  with  light, 

The  sad  exulting  spurn, 
Love's  paradise  shall  bloom  more  bright,  — 

The  spring-time  will  return. 


372  FORTUNA    FLORA. 


VICISSITUDE. 


1.  Roses  bloom,  and  then  they  wither  ; 

Cheeks  are  bright,  then  fade  and  die ; 
Shapes  of  light  are  wafted  hither, 
Then  like  visions  hurry  by. 

J.  O.  PerdvaL 

2.  When  Fortune  means  to  men  moat  good, 
She  looks  upon  them  with  a  threatening  eye. 

Shabpcare. 

8.  The  pilgrim  swallow  cometh 

To  her  forsaken  nest ; 
So  must  the  heart  that  roameth 

Return  to  find  its  rest, 
"Where  love  sheds  summer's  lustre ; 

And  wheresoe'er  'tis  found, 
There  sweetest  flowers  will  cluster, 
And  dearest  joys  abound. 

Mrs.  Hale. 

4.    O  !  life  is  a  waste  of  wearisome  hours, 

TWiich  seldom  the  rose  of  enjoyment  adorns; 

And  the  heart  that  is  soonest  awake  to  the  flowers, 

Is  always  the  first  to  be  touched  by  the  thorns. 

Moon. 

6.    A  blossom  full  of  promise  is  life's  joy, 

That  never  comes  to  fruit.     Hope,  for  a  time, 
Suns  the  young  floweret  in  its  gladsome  light, 
And  it  looks  flourishing  ;  —  a  little  while  — 
"Us  passed,  we  know  not  whither,  but  'tis  gone  I 
Mitt  London. 

6.  Deal  gently  with  him,  world,  I  pray ; 

Ye  cares,  like  softened  shadows  come ; 
His  spirit,  well  nigh  worn  away, 
Asks  with  ye  but  a  while  a  home. 

Richard  II.  Dana. 

7.  In  the  long  vista  of  the  years  to  roll, 

Let  me  not  see  our  country's  honor  fade  ; 
O  !  let  me  see  our  land  retain  its  soul ! 
Her  pride  her  freedom ;  and  not  freedom's  shade. 

Keat*. 


FORTUNA    FLORA.  278 


SENTIMENTS  FOR  THE  MONTHS. 


1.  O  !  what  tender  thoughts  beneath 

Those  silent  flowers  are  lying, 
Hid  within  the  mystic  wreath, 
My  love  hath  kissed  in  tying  ! 

Moore. 

2.  On  that  cheek  and  o'er  that  brow 

So  soft,  so  calm,  yet  eloquent, 
The  smiles  that  win,  the  tints  that  glow, 

But  tell  of  days  in  goodness  spent ; 
A  mind  at  peace  with  all  below, 
A  heart  whose  love  is  innocent. 

Byron. 

8.  Peace  to  the  dust  that  in  silence  reposes 

Beneath  the  dark  shades  of  cypress  and  yew  ; 
Let  Spring  deck  the  spot  with  her  earliest  roses, 
And  heaven  wash  their  leaves  with  its  holiest  do 

Pierpont. 

4.  Do  any  thing  but  love  ;  or,  if  thou  lovest, 
And  art  a  woman,  hide  thy  love  from  him 
"Whom  thou  dost  worship.     Never  let  him  know 
How  dear  he  is  ;  flit  like  a  bird  before  him  ; 
Lead  him  from  tree  to  tree,  from  flower  to  flower  ; 
But  be  not  won  ;  or  thou  wilt,  like  that  bird, 
When  caught  and  caged,  be  left  to  pine  neglected, 
And  perish  in  forgctfulness. 

Miaa  London. 

6.  Never  forget  the  hour  of  our  first  meeting, 

When,  'mid  the  sounds  of  revelry  and  song, 
Only  thy  soul  could  know  that  mine  was  greeting 
Its  idol,  wished  for,  waited  for,  so  long ; 
Never  forget. 

Mr».  Embury. 


274  FORTUNA   FLORA. 


6.  They  fabled  not,  in  days  of  old, 

That  love  neglected  soon  will  perish  ; 
Throughout  all  time  the  truth  doth  hold, 

That  what  we  love  we  ever  cherish. 
For  when  the  sun  neglects  the  flower, 

And  the  sweet,  pearly  dews  forsake  it, 
It  hangs  its  head,  and  from  that  hour, 

Prays  only  unto  death  to  take  it. 
So  may  I  droop,  by  all  above  me, 
If  ever  I  forget  to  love  thee. 

Thomas  Miller. 

7.  Your  coldness  I  heed  not,  your  frown  I  defy ; 
Your  affection  I  need  not,  —  the  time  has  gone  by 
When  a  blush  or  a  smile  on  that  cheek  could  beguile 
My  soul  from  its  safety,  with  witchery's  smile. 

Mrs.  F,  S.  Otgood. 

8.  As  in  the  sweetest  bud 

The  eating  canker  dwells,  so  eating  love 
Inhabits  in  the  finest  wits  of  all. 

Shakspeare. 

9.  I  have  found 

One  true  companion,  one  dear  soul  is  mine, 
Whose  converse  still  doth  soothe,  arouse,  refine. 

Howitt. 

10.  When  most  the  world  applauds  you,  most  beware  ; 
"Tis  often  less  a  blessing  than  a  snare. 

Distrust  mankind,  with  your  own  heart  confer, 
And  dread  even  there  to  find  a  flatterer. 

Young. 

11.  But  then  her  face, 

So  lovely,  yet  so  arch  —  so  full  of  mirth, 
The  overflowing  of  an  innocent  heart  ;  — 
It  haunts  me  still,  though  many  a  year  has  fled, 
Like  some  wild  melody. 

Rogeri. 

12.  One  sacred  oath  has  tied  our  lores, 

As  thus  the  flowers  I  bind,  — 
And  sweet  as  rose  to  lily  proves, 
Our  sacred  bond  we  find. 

Prior,  (improved.) 


FORTUNA   FLORA.  275 

13.  Let  us  love  temperately  ;  things  violent  last  not ; 
And  too  much  dotage  rather  argues  folly 

Than  true  affection. 

Malinger. 

14.  Loving  with  all  the  wild  devotion, 
That  deep  and  passionate  emotion  ; 
Loving  with  all  the  snow-white  truth 
That  is  found  but  in  early  youth  ; 
Freshness  of  feeling,  as  of  flower, 

That  lives  not  more  than  spring's  first  hour. 
Miss  London, 

15.  Be  her  my  choice,  who  knows  with  perfect  skill, 
When  she  should  move,  and  when  she  should  stand 

still; 

Who,  uninstructed,  can  perform  her  share, 
And  kindly  half  the  pleasing  burden  bear. 

Soame  Jenym. 

16.  Ours,  too,  the  glance  none  saw  beside  ; 

The  smile  none  else  might  understand ; 
The  whispered  thought  of  hearts  allied ; 
The  pressure  of  the  thrilling  hand. 

Byron. 

17.  Friendship  !  thou  soft,  propitious  power  ! 
Sweet  regent  of  the  social  hour  ! 
Sublime  the  joys,  nor  understood, 

But  by  the  virtuous  and  the  good. 

Cotton. 

18.  As  love  can  exquisitely  bless, 

Love  only  feels  the  marvellous  of  pain ; 
Opens  new  views  of  torture  in  the  soul, 
And  wakes  the  nerve  where  agonies  are  born. 

Smollett. 

19.  Eternal  youth 

O'er  all  her  form  its  glowing  honors  breathed, 
And  smiles  eternal  from  her  candid  eyes 
Flowed  like  the  dewy  lustre  of  the  morn, 
Effusive  trembling  on  the  placid  waves. 

Aktntuk. 

JO.  Often,  like  the  evening  sun,  comes  the  memory  of 
former  times  o'er  my  soul. 

Ostian. 


276  FORTUNA    FLORA. 

21.  The  last  link  is  broken. 

That  bound  me  to  thec  ; 

The  words  thou  hast  spoken 

Have  rendered  me  free. 

Bayley. 

22.  And  say,  without  our  hopes,  without  our  fears, 
Without  the  home  that  plighted  love  endears, 
Without  the  smile  from  partial  beauty  won, 

0  !  what  were  man  ?  —  a  world  without  a  sun. 

CampbeO. 

23.  One  who  could  change  the  worship  of  all  climates, 
And  make  a  new  religion  wherever  she  comes, 
Unite  the  differing  faiths  of  all  the  world 

To  idolize  her  face. 

Dryden. 

24.  Farewell !  ah,  farewell !  though  my  spirit  may  droop, 
That  its  fond  dream  has  fled,  and  in  bitterness  stoop 
To  the  dust  for  the  fall  of  the  idol  it  made, 

My  pride  and  its  purity  nought  shall  degrade. 

1  thought  thee  all  perfect,  as  pure  as  the  sun, 

And  thy  truth  and  thy  brightness  my  wild  worship  won ; 
But  alas  !  the  illusion  so  cherished  is  o'er ; 
My  pride  has  been  roused,  and  I'll  meet  thee  no  more. 

Mrs,  Dinniet. 

26.  Fly  betimes,  for  only  they 

Conquer  love  that  run  away. 

Carew. 

26.  The  frigid  and  unfeeling  thrive  the  best ; 
And  a  warm  heart,  in  this  cold  world,  is  like 
A  beacon  light,  wasting  its  feeble  flame 
Upon  the  wintry  deep,  that  feels  it  not, 
And  trembling  with  each  pitiless  gust  that  blows, 
Till  its  faint  fire  is  spent. 

Henry  Neelt. 

87.  True  as  a  needle  to  the  pole, 

Or  as  the  dial  to  the  sun  ; 
Constant  as  gliding  waters  roll, 
Whose  swelling  tides  obey  the  moon  ; 
From  every  other  charmer  free, 
My  life  and  lore  shall  follow  thee. 

BooO. 


TORTONA  FLORA.  277 

28.  Remember  thee,  and  all  thy  pains, 

And  all  thy  love  for  me  ! 
Yes !  while  a  breath,  a  pulse  remains, 
Will  I  remember  thee  ! 

Montgomery. 

29.  Tis  not  your  part, 
Out  of  your  fond  misgivings,  to  perplex 

The  fortunes  of  the  man  to  whom  you  cleave ; 
Tis  yours  to  weave  oil  that  you  have  of  fair 
And  bright  in  the  dark  meshes  of  their  web. 

Talfourd. 

80.  The  power  you  wield  has  its  best  spells  in  love, 
And  gentleness,  and  thought ;  never  in  scorn, 
Or  any  wayward  impulse,  or  caprice. 

W.  Gilmore  Simmt. 

81.  A  happy  lot  be  thine,  and  larger  light 

Await  thco  there ;  for  thou  hast  bound  thy  will 
In  cheerful  homage  to  the  rule  of  right, 
And  lovest  all,  and  doest  good  for  ill. 

Wm.  C.  Bryant. 

32.  You  have  a  natural,  wiso  sincerity, 
A  simple  truthfulness ; 

And,  though  yourself  not  unacquaint  with  care,  ' 
Have  in  your  heart  wide  room. 

James  R.  Loicett, 

33.  Dear  art  thou  to  me  now  as  in  that  hour 

When  first  love's  wave  of  feeling,  spring-like,  broke 
Into  bright  utterance,  and  we  said  we  loved. 

Festut,  by  Bailey. 

84.        When  lovers  meet  in  adverse  hour, 

Tis  like  a  sun-glimpse  through  a  shower ; 
A  watery  ray  an  instant  seen, 
Then  darkly  closing  clouds  between. 


85.  "  Yes  ! "  I  answered  you  last  night ; 

"  No  ! "  this  morning,  sir,  I  say ! 
Flowers,  seen  by  candle-light, 
Will  not  look  the  same  by  day. 

Mitt  Barrett. 
24 


278  FOETUNA    FLORA. 


86.  O  !  as  the  bee  upon  the  flower,  I  hung 
Upon  the  honey  of  thy  eloquent  tongue. 

Bufaar. 

87.  We  never  speak  our  deepest  feelings  ; 
Our  holiest  hopes  have  no  revealings 
Save  in  the  gleams  that  light  the  face, 
Or  fancies  that  the  pen  may  trace  ; 

Or  when  we  use,  like  Love,  the  flowers 
To  mark  our  thoughts,  as  he  the  hours. 
Mrs.  Hale. 

38.  The  conflict  is  over,  the  struggle  is  past, 

I  have  looked,  I  have  loved,  I  have  worshipped  my  last ; 
Now  back  to  the  world,  and  let  Fate  do  her  worst 
On  the  heart  that  for  thee  such  devotion  hath  nursed. 
Chariot  F.  Hoffman. 

39.  Whither  my  heart  has  gone,  there  follows  my  hand, 

and  not  elsewhere. 
For,  when  the  heart  goes  before,  like  a  lamp,  and 

illumines  the  pathway, 
Many  things  are  made  clear,  that  else  lie  hidden  in 

darkness. 

Longfellow. 

40.  Not  wholly  can  the  heart  unlearn 

The  lesson  of  its  better  hours, 
Nor  yet  has  Time's  dull  footstep  worn 
To  common  dust  that  path  of  flowers. 

/.  G.  Whittier. 

41.  The  velvet  couch  and  the  gilded  hall, 

Gay  visions  of  pomp  and  power, 
Art,  fashion,  and  show,  I  would  give  you  all 
For  a  seat  in  my  own  wild  bower. 

Miu  Gould. 

42.  If  every  drooping  floweret  had  a  soul, 
And  heavenly  inspiration  breathed  from  it, 
And  on  each  trembling  leaf  that  bends  to  earth. 
Bested  an  angel  thought,  instead  of  dew, 

This  flower  would  then  be  like  thee. 

Niebcuka  Komedyia. 


INDEX  OF  FLOWERS 


Fltnotn. 

Acacia,  Yellow, 

Almond,  Flowering,  • 

Althea  Frutex, 

Aloe, 

Amaranth,  < 

Amaranth,  Globe,      . 

AmaryllU, 

Ambrosia, 

American  Starwort,  • 

Anemone, 

Apocynum, 

Arum, 

Arbor-Tit*, 

Auricula,  Scarlet,     • 

Bachelor's  Button,    < 

Balm, 


BayLeat; 

Bay  Wreath, 

Box, 

Broome, 

Butter-cup, 

Calla,  jEthloplca, 

Calycamhus, 

Carnation, 

Camellia,  Japonic*, 

Canterbury  Befl, 

Cardinal's  Flower, 

Catchfly, 

Cedar, 


Interpretation*.                          /•. 

Concealed  Love, 

11 

Hope, 

11 

•           Consumed  by  Love, 

15 

Religious  Superstition, 

u 

•          Immortality,                 • 

17 

Unchangeable, 

H 

Beautiful,  but  timid,     - 

i.i 

Love  returned, 

H 

Welcome  to  a  Stranger, 

11 

Fading  Hope, 

jj 

1  Uiehood, 

H 

Fer-vity  and  Deceit,    -          (- 

M 

Uucrm^lng  Friendship, 

H 

Pride, 

M 

Hope  in  Love, 

27 

Social  Intercourse, 

• 

Impatience, 

M 

I  change  but  in  dying,  • 

M 

Glory, 

H 

Constancy, 

32 

Humility, 

• 

Riches, 

34 

Magnificent  Beauty, 

a^ 

Benevolence, 

M 

Pride  and  Beauty, 

H 

Unpretending  Excellence, 

• 

Gratitude, 

H 

Distinction, 

•H 

Artifice,—  Pretended  Love, 

41 

Think  of  me, 

48 

Energy  in  Adversity,    - 

43 

Love  of  Variety, 

44 

280 


INDEX    OF    FLOWERS. 


Flovxrt. 

Interpretation*. 

P*** 

Clematis, 

Mental  Beauty, 

45 

Columbine, 

Desertion, 

4« 

Convolvulus, 

Worth  sustained  by  Aflectl 

on,        47 

Coreopsis, 

Always  cheerful, 

.        48 

Cowslip, 

Winning  Grace, 

•        49 

Crocus, 

Youthful  Gladness, 

50 

Crown  Imperial,      - 

Pride  of  Birth, 

51 

Cypress, 

Despair,                        > 

53 

Daffodil, 

Uncertainty, 

53 

Dahlia, 

Elegance  and  Dignity,  - 

54 

Daisy, 

Beauty  and  Innocence, 

.        55 

Dandelion, 

Coquetry, 

'.A 

Dew  Plant, 

Serenade, 

57 

Fgl  inline, 

I  wound  to  heal, 

58 

Elder, 

Compassion,                 . 

59 

Everlasting, 

Always  remembered,   - 

60 

Flax, 

Domestic  Industry, 

fil 

Fir, 

Time, 

62 

Flower  of  an  Hour,   - 

Delicate  Beauty, 

63 

Flowering  Reed, 

Confidence  in  Heaven, 

64 

Forget-me-not, 

True  Love, 

65 

Fox-glove, 

Insincerity, 

66 

Grra  ium, 

Gentility, 

67 

Gera  ium,  Nutmeg,  - 

An  expected  Meeting,  - 

68 

Gera  ium,  Scarlet,    - 

Consolation, 

69 

Grra  ium,  Oak, 

True  Friendship, 

70 

Gera  ium,  Mourning, 

Despondency, 

.       71 

Gera  ium,  Rose, 

Preference, 

.       78 

Gera  Ium,  Lemon,    - 

Tranquillity  of  Mind,   - 

-       78 

Geranium,  Silver-leaved, 

Recall,                           • 

.       74 

Geranium,  Ivy, 

Bridal  Favor, 

-       75 

Gilly-flower, 

She  is  (air, 

-       7« 

Golden  Rod, 

Encouragement, 

•       77 

Grape,  Wild, 

Mirth, 

78 

Grass, 

Submission, 

7» 

Harebell, 

Grief, 

80 

Hawthorn, 

Hope, 

81 

Heart's  Ease, 

Love  in  Idleness, 

83 

Heliotrope, 

Devotion, 

83 

Hellebore, 

Calumny, 

84 

Holly, 

Domestic  Happiness,   - 

R5 

Hollyhock, 

Ambition, 

•       86 

Honesty, 

Fascination, 

87 

Honey-flower, 

Love  sweet  and  secret, 

-       88 

Honeysuckle,  Coral,. 

Fidelity, 

88 

Honeysuckle,  Wild,  - 

Inconstancy, 

90 

Honstonla, 

Content, 

•       01 

Hyacinth,  Bine, 

Constancy                   • 

.        M 

INDEX    OF    FLOWERS. 


281 


Ttumn. 

Interpretation*.                          f 

Hyacinth,  Purple,     - 

Sorrow, 

93 

Hydrangea, 

Heartlessness, 

94 

Ice  Plant, 

An  old  Beau, 

95 

Irta, 

My  Compliments, 

96 

Ivy, 

Wedded  Love, 

97 

Jasmine,  White, 

Amiability, 

98 

Jasmine,  Yellow.      . 

Grace  and  Elrgaace,     - 

99 

Jonquil, 

I  desire  a  return  of  Affection,  - 

100 

King-cup, 

I  wish  I  was  rich, 

101 

Laburnum, 

Pensive  Beauty, 

103 

Lady's  Slipper, 

Capricious  Beauty, 

103 

Larkspur,  (double-flowered,)  - 

Haughtiness, 

104 

Larkspur,  (single-flowered,)     - 

Fickleness, 

105 

Laurel,  American,     - 

Virtue  is  charming, 

106 

Laurel,  Mountain,      - 

Ambition, 

107 

Laurustluus, 

A  Token, 

108 

Lavender, 

Acknowledgement, 

109 

I.i  mon-t>Inssom, 

Discretion, 

110 

Lichen, 

Solitude, 

111 

Lllach,  Purple, 

Fastidiousness, 

113 

Lllach,  White, 

YouthfUl  Innocence,     . 

113 

Lily,  White, 

Purity  and  Beauty, 

114 

Lily,  Yellow, 

Playful  Gayety, 

115 

Lily,  Scarlet, 

Hlgh-souled, 

116 

Llly-of-  the-  Valley,     - 

Delicate  Simplicity,      - 

117 

Lobelia, 

Malevolence, 

118 

Locust, 

Affection  beyond  the  Grave,    - 

119 

Lotos-dower, 

Estranged  Love, 

120 

I.ove-lies-a-bleeding,  - 

Hopeless  not  heartless, 

121 

Lupine, 

Dejection,  Sorrow, 

123 

Magnolia, 

Love  of  Nature, 

123 

Marigold,  Yellow,     - 

Sacred  Affections, 

124 

Marigold,  French,      • 

Jealousy, 

125 

Meadow  Saffron, 

Growing  old, 

126 

Mignonette, 

Worth  and  Loveliness, 

127 

Meiereon, 

Timidity, 

128 

Monk's-hood, 

Deceit, 

129 

MM* 

Ennui, 

130 

Myrtle, 

Love  In  Absence,          -            - 

131 

Narcissus  Poetlcn*  - 

Egotism  and  Self-love, 

133 

Nasturtlon, 

Patriotism, 

133 

Nettle, 

Blander, 

134 

Nightshade, 

Dark  Thoughts, 

135 

Oak-leaf, 

Bravery  and  Humanity, 

136 

Oata, 

Music, 

137 

Olive, 

Peace, 

138 

Orange-blossom, 

Woman's  Worth, 

139 

24» 

INDEX    OF    FLOWERS. 


Floiotrt.                                               Interpretation*.                         Putt 

Orchis, 

A  Belle, 

MO 

Ox-eye, 

Patience, 

HI 

Pansy, 

Tender  and  pleasant  Thoughts, 

143 

Pauion  Flower, 

Religious  Ferrer, 

143 

Pea,  Everlasting,       - 

Wilt  thon  go  with  me, 

144 

Pea,  Sweet, 

Departure, 

145 

Peach-blOMom, 

I  am  your  Captive,     - 

146 

Peony, 

Anger, 

147 

Periwinkle,  Blue,      - 

Early  Friendship,       - 

148 

Periwinkle,  White  or  Red,      - 

Pleasures  of  Memory, 

149 

Phlox, 

Unanimity, 

150 

Pine, 

Pity, 

151 

Pine,  Pitch, 

Time  and  Philosophy, 

159 

Pine,  Spruce, 

Hope  In  Adversity, 

153 

Pink,  Red,  (double,)  - 

Woman's  Love, 

154 

Pink,  Indian, 

Always  lovely, 

155 

Pink,  Mountain, 

Aspiring, 

156 

Pink,  While, 

Fair  and  fascinating, 

157 

Polyanthus, 

Pride  of  newly  acquired  Riches, 

lid 

Poppy,  Red, 

Evanescent  Pleasure, 

159 

Poppy,  Scarlet, 

Fantastic  Extravagance, 

160 

Poppy,  White, 

Forgetfulness,  or  Consolation, 

161 

Primrose,  Evening,   - 

Inconstancy, 

162 

Primrose, 

Have  Confidence  In  me, 

163 

Primrose,  (rose-colored,) 

Unpatronlsed  Merit,   - 

164 

Prickly-Pear, 

Satire, 

165 

Queen's  Rocket, 

She  will  be  fashionable, 

166 

Rose,  Austrian, 

Very  lovely, 

167 

Rose,  Bridal, 

Happy  Love, 

168 

Rose,  Burgundy, 

Simplicity  and  Beauty, 

169 

Rose,  Carolina, 

Love  Is  dangerous, 

170 

Rose,  Dally, 

Lightness, 

171 

ROM,  Damask,  (white  and  red,) 

Youth, 

179 

ROM,  Deep  Red,       - 

Bashful  Shame, 

173 

Rose,  Hundred-leaved, 

Dignity  of  Mind, 

174 

Rose,  Damask,  (red,) 

Bashful  Love, 

175 

Rose,  Moss, 

Superior  Merit, 

176 

Rose-bud,  Moss,        - 

Confession, 

177 

Rose,  China, 

Grace, 

178 

ROM,  Mundl, 

Tou  are  merry, 

179 

Rose,  Mask, 

Charming, 

180 

Rose-bud,  Red, 

Pure  and  lovely, 

181 

ROM,  Red-lesYed,     - 

Beauty  and  Prosperity, 

189 

ROM,  Chinese,  Dark, 

Forsaken, 

183 

Rose-bud,  White,      - 

Too  young  to  love, 

184 

ROM,  White, 

Sadnes^ 

185 

ROM,  White,  (withered,) 

I  am  in  Despair, 

186 

INDEX    OF    FLOWERS. 


283 


Vlowtn. 

Rose,  Thornier, 

Rose,  Yellow, 

ROM,  York  and 

ROM,  Campion, 

Rosemary, 

Rue, 

Bam-on, 

• 

Scabious, 

H.-iiMtive  Plant, 

Snow  Ball, 

Bnuw  Drop,  • 

Sorrel,  Wild, 

Speedwell, 

Star  of  Bethlehem,    . 

Si.  John'.  Wort, 

Sumach,  Venice, 

Bun-Mower,  Dwarf,    - 

Sun-Mower,  Tall,        - 

Sweet-brier, 

Sweet  William, 

Byringa  Carolina, 

Thlitle,  Common,     - 

Thorn-apple, 

Thyme, 

Tuberose, 

Tulip,  Red, 

Tulip,  Variegated,     - 

Tulip-tree,  • 

Verbena, 

Vernal  Gnus, 

Violet,  Blue, 

Violet,  White, 

Violet,  Yellow, 

Virgin*!  Bower, 

Wall  Flower, 

Water  Lily,  White,  - 

Willow,  Weeping,    - 

Witch  Haiel, 

Wheat, 

Woodbine, 

Wood  Sorrel, 

Yarrow, 

Yew, 

Zinnia, 


Interpretation*. 

Ingratitude, 

Let  in  forget, 

War, 

Lore'i  Messengers, 

Remembrance, 

Disdain, 

Marriage, 

Domeatlc  Virtue*, 

Unfortunate  Attachment, 

Sensitiveness, 

Thoughts  of  Heaven, 

Friendship  In  Adversity, 

Parental  Affection, 

Female  Fidelity, 

Reconciliation, 

Animosity, 

Intellectual  Excellence, 

Your  devout  Adorer, 

Lofty  and  pore  Thoughts, 

Simplicity, 

A  Smile, 

Disappointment, 

Misanthropy, 

I  dreamed  of  Thee, 

Thriftiness, 

I  have  seen  a  lovely  Girl, 

A  Declaration  of  Love, 

Beautiful  Eyes, 

Fame, 

Sensibility, 

Poor  but  happy, 

Faithfulness, 

Modesty, 

Rural  Happiness, 

Filial  Lore, 

Fidelity  in  Misfortune,  • 

Purity  of  Heart, 

Forsaken  Lover, 

A  Spell, 

Prosperity, 

Fraternal  Lore, 

Maternal  Tenderness,    - 

Cure  for  the  Heart-ache, 

Penitence, 

Absence, 


Page 

-  187 

-  188 

-  189 
.  190 

-  191 
.  192 

-  193 

-  194 

-  195 

-  196 

-  197 
.  198 

-  199 

-  200 
.  201 

-  203 


206 
207 


210 
211 
212 
213 
214 
215 
216 
217 
218 
219 
220 
221 
222 
223 
224 


227 
228 


INDEX  OF  INTERPRETATIONS. 


Interpretation. 

A  Belle, 

Absence, 

Acknowledgement,    - 

A  Declaration  of  Love, 

Affection  beyond  the  Grave, 

Always  cheerful, 

Always  lovely, 

Always  remembered, 

Ambition  of  a  Scholar, 

Ambition  of  a  Hero,  - 

Amiability, 

An  expected  Meeting, 

Anger, 

Animosity, 

An  old  Beau, 

Fading  Hope, 

Artifice, 

A  Token, 

Aspiring, 

A  Smile, 

A  Spell, 

Bashful  Love, 

Bashful  Shame, 

Beauty  and  Innocence, 

Beautiful  but  timid,  - 

BeautiAil  Eyes, 

Beauty  and  Prosperity, 

Benevolence, 

Bravery  and  Humanity, 

Bridal  Favor, 

Calumny, 

Capricious  Beauty,    • 

Charming, 


FlOUltTt. 

Orchis, 

Zinnia, 

Lavender, 

Tulip,  Red, 

Locust, 

Coreopsis, 

Indian  Pink, 

Everlasting, 

Hollyhock, 

Mountain  Laurel,  • 

Jasmine,  White,  - 

Geranium,  Nutmeg, 

Peony, 

St.  John's  Wort,  - 

Ice  Plant, 

Anemone, 

Catchfly, 

Laurustlnns, 

Mountain  Pink,     - 

Sweet  William,    • 

Witch  Hazel, 

Rose,  Damask  Red, 

Rose,  Deep  Red,   - 

Daisy, 

Amaryllis, 

Tulip,  Variegated, 

Rose,  Red-leaved,- 

Calycanthus, 

Oak-leaf, 

Geranium,  Ivy, 

Hellebore, 

Lady's  Slipper, 

Rose,  Musk, 


14* 
831 
109 
813 
119 
48 
155 
60 
86 
107 
98 
68 
147 


41 

107 
156 
807 
825 
175 
173 
65 
19 
214 
188 
M 
136 
75 
84 
103 


INDEX    OF    INTERPRETATIONS. 


285 


Interpretation*. 

Flowcri. 

Page. 

Consolation, 

Geranium,  Scarlet, 

6* 

Compassion, 

Elder, 

69 

Concealed  Love, 

Acacia, 

18 

Coufewlon, 

Rose-bud,  MOM,    - 

177 

Confidence  In  Heaven, 

Flowering  Reed,  • 

64 

Constancy  in  Friendship, 

Box, 

83 

Coiiriiuncy  in  Love,    - 

Blue  Hyacinth      . 

9* 

('unsumed  by  Love,   • 

Althea  Frutex,      • 

15 

Conn-lit, 

Houstonta, 

91 

Coquetry, 

Dandelion, 

56 

Cure  for  the  Hi-art-ache, 

Yarrow, 

229 

Durk  Thoughts, 

Nightshade, 

135 

Deceit, 

Monk's  Hood, 

129 

Dejection  and  Borrow, 

Lupine, 

122 

Delicate  Beauty, 

Flower  of  an  Hour, 

68 

Delicate  Simplicity,  • 

Lily-of-the-Valley, 

117 

Departure, 

Sweet  Pea, 

145 

Despair, 

Cypress, 

59 

Despondency, 

Geranium,  Mourning, 

71 

Dr-i  rlinii, 

Columbine, 

46 

Devotion, 

Heliotrope, 

88 

Dignity  of  Mind, 

Rose,  Hundred-leaved, 

174 

Disappointment, 

Byringa,  Carolina, 

208 

DiM-ri-tiim, 

Lemon-blossom,    • 

110 

Disdain, 

Rue, 

193 

Distinction, 

Cardinal's  Flower, 

40 

Domestic  Happiness, 

Holly, 

85 

Domestic  Industry,    - 

Flax, 

61 

Domestic  Virtues, 

Sage, 

194 

Early  Friendship,       - 

Periwinkle,  Bine,  - 

148 

Egotism,  Self-love,    • 

Narcissus  Poeticus, 

133 

Elegance  and  Dignity, 

Dahlia, 

54 

Encouragement, 

Golden  Rod, 

77 

Energy  in  Adversity, 

Chnmomile, 

48 

Ennui, 

Moss, 

130 

Estranged  Love,        - 

Lotos-flower, 

120 

Evanescent  Pleasure, 

Red  Poppy, 

159 

Fair  and  fascinating, 

White  Pink, 

157 

Faithfulness, 

Violet,  Blue, 

218 

Falsehood, 

Apocynum, 

23 

Fame, 

Tulip-tree, 

215 

Fantastic  Extravagance, 

Poppy,  Scarlet,     - 

160 

Fascination, 

Honesty, 

87 

Fastidiousness, 

Lilach,  Purple,     - 

119 

Female  Fidelity, 

Speedwell, 

200 

Ferocity  and  Deceit, 

Arum, 

M 

Fidelity, 

Honeysuckle,  Coral, 

89 

INDEX  OF  INTERPRETATION!. 


Interpntatioiu. 

Flower*. 

Fidelity  In  Misfortune, 

Wall-flower, 

Fickleness, 

Larkspur, 

Filial  Love, 

Virgin's  Bower,    - 

Fraternal  Love, 

Woodbine, 

Friendship  to  Adversity, 

Snow  Drop, 

Forgetfulness, 

Poppy,  White,     - 

Forsaken  Lover, 

Weeping  Willow, 

Forsaken, 

Rose,  China,  Dark, 

Gentility, 

Geranium, 

Grace, 

Rose,  China,  Red, 

Grace  and  Elegance,  • 

Jasmine,  Yellow,  - 

Gratitude, 

Canterbury  Bell,  - 

Glory, 

Bay  Wreath, 

Growing  old, 

Meadow  Saffron,  - 

Grief, 

Harebell, 

Happy  Love, 

Rose,  Bridal, 

Haughtiness, 

Larkspur, 

Have  Confidence  in  Me, 

Primrose, 

lieartlessness,            -       '       - 

Hydrangea, 

High-souled, 

Uly,  Scarlet, 

Hope, 

Almond, 

Hopeless  not  heartless, 

Love-lies-bleeding, 

Hope  In  Adversity,    - 

Pine,  Spruce, 

Hope, 

Hawthorn, 

Hope  In  Love, 

Bachelor's  Button, 

Humility, 

Broom  e, 

I  am  In  Despair, 

Rose,  White, 

I  .-nil  your  Captive,    - 

Peach-blossom,     - 

I  change  but  In  dying, 

Bay-lea^ 

I  desire  a  Return  of  Affection,  - 

Jonquil, 

I  dreamed  of  Thee,    - 

Thorn  Apple, 

1  have  seen  a  lovely  Girl, 

Tuberose, 

I  wish  I  was  rich,     - 

King-cup, 

I  wound  to  heal, 

Eglantine,            | 

Immortality, 

Amaranth, 

Impatience, 
Inconstancy  in  Love,               - 

Balsamlne, 
Honeysuckle,  Wild, 

Inconstancy  In  Friendship, 

Evening  Primrose, 

Ingratitude, 

Rose,  Thorniest,  - 

Intellectual  Excellence, 

Sumach,  Venice,  - 

Insincerity, 

Fox-glove, 

Jealousy, 

Marigold,  French, 

Let  us  forget, 

Rose,  Yellow,       - 

Lightness, 

Rose,  Daily, 

Lofty  and  pure  Thoughts, 

Sun  Flower,  Tall, 

Love  in  Absence, 

Myrtle, 

Lrve  In  Idleness, 

Heart's  Ease, 

221 

105 
221 
227 
198 
161 


67 
178 
99 

89 
81 
126 
80 
168 
104 
163 
94 
116 
14 
121 
153 
81 
27 
S3 
189 
146 
80 
100 
210 
212 
101 
68 
17 
29 
90 
162 
187 
203 
rc 
125 


131 

• 


INDEX    OF    INTERPRETATIONS. 


287 


Interpretation*. 
Lore  U  dangerou.,     . 
Love's  Messengers,    - 
Lore  of  Nature, 
Lore  returned, 
LOT*  sweet  and  secret, 
Love  of  Variety, 
Magnificent  Beauty,  - 
Malevolence, 
Marriage, 

Mental  Beauty, 

Mirth, 

Misanthropy, 

Modesty, 

Music, 

My  Compliment.,      - 

Parental  Lore, 

Patience, 

Patrtotlam, 

Peace, 

Penitence, 

Fenfire  Beauty, 

Pity, 


Poor,  but  happy, 

Preference, 

Pride, 

Pride  and  Beauty,      - 

Pride  of  Birth, 

Pride  of  Riches, 

Prosperity, 

Purity  and  Beauty, 

Pure  and  lovely, 

Purity  of  Heart, 

Playful  Gayety, 

Recall, 

Reconciliation,          -* 

Religious  Fervor, 

Religious  Superstition, 

Remembrance, 

Riches, 

Rural  Happiness,       - 

Sacred  Affections,      • 

Sadness, 

Satire, 

Sensibility, 

Sensitiveness, 


Flower*. 

Rose,  Carolina,     - 

Rose,  Campion,    - 

Magnolia, 

Ambrosia, 

Honey-flower,      - 

China  Aster, 

Calla, 

Lobelia, 

Saffron, 

Wood  Sorrel, 

Clematis, 

Grape,  Wild, 

Thistle, 

White  Violet, 

Oat, 

Iris, 

Wild  Sorrel, 

Ox-eye, 

Nastunlon, 

Olive, 

Yew, 

Laburnum, 

Pine, 

White  Periwinkle, 

Vernal  Gnus, 

Geranium,  Rose,  - 

Auricula,  Scarlet,  - 

Carnation, 

Crown  Imperial,  - 

Polyanthus, 

Wheat, 

White  Lily,  (garden,) 

Rose-bud,  Red,     - 

Water  Lily,  White, 

Lily,  Yellow, 

Geranium,  Silver- leave  I, 

Star  of  Bethlehem, 

Passion  Flower,    - 

Aloe, 

Rosemary, 

Butter-cup, 

Yellow  Violet, 

Yellow  Marigold, 

White  Rose, 

Prickly  Pear, 


Seiuitive  Plant, 


Pa**. 
170 
190 
123 
20 
88 
44 
85 
118 
193 
888 
45 
78 
809 
219 
137 
96 
190 
141 
139 
138 
230 
102 
151 
149 
217 
72 
26 
37 
51 
158 
226 
114 
181 
223 
115 
74 
201 
143 
16 
191 
34 


165 
21C 

196 


INDEX    OF    INTERPRETATIONS. 


Inttrfrttatioiu. 

Fltnoert.                                   I 

'Of*. 

Serenade, 

Dew  Plant, 

67 

She  Is  fair, 

GUly-flower, 

76 

She  will  be  fashionable, 

Queen's  Rocket,  - 

166 

Simplicity, 

Sweet  Brier,         -              • 

806 

Blander, 

Nettle, 

134 

Social  Intercourse,    - 

Balm, 

88 

Bolitude, 

Lichen, 

111 

Borrow, 

Purple  Hyacinth,. 

93 

Submission, 

Grass, 

79 

Superior  Merit, 

Mos.  Roae, 

176 

Tender  Thoughts, 

Pansy, 

148 

Think  of  Me, 

Cedar, 

48 

Thoughts  of  Heaven,  - 

Snow  Ball, 

197 

ThrifUnesa, 

Thyme, 

811 

Timidity, 

Mezereon, 

188 

Time, 

Fir, 

68 

Time  and  Philosophy, 

Pitch  Pine, 

158 

Too  young  to  love,    - 

While  Rose-bud,  - 

184 

Tranquillity, 

Geranium,  Lemon, 

73 

True  Love, 

Geranium,  Oak,    - 

70 

True  Friendship, 

Forget-me-not, 

65 

Unanimity, 

Phlox, 

150 

Uncertainty, 

Daffodil, 

63 

Unchangeable, 

Amaranth,  Globe, 

18 

Unchanging  Friendship, 

Arbor-vit», 

85 

Unfortunate  Attachment, 

Scabious, 

Hi 

Unpatronlsed  Merit,  - 

Primrose,  Red, 

164 

Unpretending  Excellence, 

Camellia, 

38 

Virtue  is  charming,   - 

American  Laurel, 

106 

Very  lovely, 

Austrian  Rose, 

167 

War, 

Rose,  York  and  Lancaster, 

189 

Wedded  Love, 

Ivy, 

97 

Winning  Grace, 

Cowslip, 

49 

Woman's  Love, 

Pink,  Red,  (double,) 

154 

Woman's  Worth,      - 

Orange-blossom,    - 

139 

Worth  and  Loveliness, 

Mignonette,       »  - 

127 

Worth  sustained  by  Affection, 

Convolvulus, 

47 

Wilt  thon  go  with  Me, 

Pea,  Everlasting,  - 

144 

Welcome  to  a  Stranger, 

American  Starwort,       t    - 

81 

179 

Your  devout  Adorer  -       ,,,  • 

Dwarf  Sun-flower, 

204 

Youth, 

Damask  Rose,  (white  and  red,) 

178 

YouthfUl  Gladness,    -           \. 

Crocus, 

60 

Youthful  Innocence.  - 

White  Lilac, 

113 

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